Coaching rumors, undisclosed illnesses, wins and a lot of prayer have defined the Jackson State football program since coach Deion Sanders took a leave of absence three games ago per doctor’s orders.
While Deion decides on his future and gets back into his flow after being released from the hospital, his son Shedeur Sanders continues to be a show-stopper with an array of skills that make him a future NFL prospect.
The Jackson State Tigers freshman quarterback has led the Tigers to an 8-1 overall record and 6-0 in the SWAC.
While his dad chilled out for another week, Shedeur turned up again and stole the offensive show. The Jerry Rice award nominee also won the anticipated battle against the talented Texas Southern freshman quarterback Andrew Body. https://t.co/JfCLeukCGc
— The Shadow League (@ShadowLeague) November 7, 2021
A win Saturday over rival Southern and the Tigers will clinch the Eastern Division of the SWAC and punch their ticket to the SWAC Championship Game for the first time since 2013. The program hasn’t won the conference championship since 2007.
Shedeur, who transferred from Florida Atlantic to join his Dad’s HBCU mission, is now being mentioned for awards such as the Walter Payton Award. The WPA is named after the former Jackson State and Pro Football Hall of Famer and given to the Football Championship Subdivision offensive player of the year.
Shedeur Sanders named to Walter Payton Award Watch List
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— Jackson State Athletics (@GoJSUTigers) November 10, 2021
Sanders Has Given The Tigers Hope
Sanders has been among FCS leaders in passing all season (2,414 yards, 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions). The talented maestro is also competing nearly 68 percent of his passes.
The highest-rated commit to ever sign with Jackson State, Sanders has been impressive with how he’s handled himself on and off the field. His calm demeanor and leadership has really come to the surface with Coach Prime away from the sidelines.
In two of the three games his dad’s been sidelined, Shedeur has served as an extension of Coach Prime’s winning culture and navigated the Tigers through some tough moments as they fought to keep their unblemished conference record intact.
https://youtu.be/GWZd3rylgZM
Dad Told Shedeur Losing Much Wouldn’t Happen On His Watch And It Hasn’t Thus Far
During a humiliating 52-43 loss to Alabama A&M in the SWAC’s spring season, Sanders told his son Shedeur, “This is never gonna happen on your watch. I promise you that, you’re not going to allow it to.”
Shedeur has proved his father to be a prophet. The Tigers’ only loss of the season came out of conference to Louisiana-Monroe (12-7) in a winnable game that the Tigers gave away. Sanders shows a poise and understanding of the offense and QB position beyond his years. He’s at JSU because of his dad, but don’t get it twisted: He could start anywhere in the country.
Deion Sanders Already Did The Impossible | Shedeur Sanders Could Start For Any Team In The Country
Shedeur Also A Candidate For The Jerry Rice Award
Sanders is one of four HBCU freshmen up for the prestigious Jerry Rice Award named after the GOAT NFL receiver and former Mississippi Valley State product. The award is given to the top freshman in Football Championship Subdivision.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmzscGGxJoM
There’s a good chance the JSU signal-caller could win both, but he surely prefers winning the SWAC Championship Game and then the Celebration Bowl, where the SWAC champion faces the MEAC champion. Sanders needs to also play well in both for his team to achieve those milestones.
