JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State head football coach Charles Kelly confirmed Tuesday that linebacker Mac will miss the remainder of the season as the Gamecocks prepare for their upcoming matchup with Ohio.
Kelly said the coaching staff initially believed Mac might have an opportunity to return, but a second MRI changed that outlook.
“We thought that Mac had a possibility to come back,” Kelly said. “But when we did a second MRI, he’s going to be out for the season.”
Kelly called the injury a difficult loss for both the player and the team but expressed confidence in the depth of Jacksonville State’s linebacker group. He also said Jalen’s injury is not expected to be a long-term issue and that his availability will depend on how he progresses in practice this week.
The Gamecocks enter the week following a win over Eastern Kentucky. After reviewing the film, Kelly said he was pleased with his team’s execution and believed Jacksonville State played with more physicality than it had the previous week.
The coach said continued improvement remains the focus as Jacksonville State moves forward.
“We’ve got to make sure that we understand what we’ve got to do to improve every week,” Kelly said.
One area Kelly identified for improvement is run defense. He said stopping the run requires contributions from the defensive line, linebackers and secondary rather than placing responsibility on one position group.
Kelly said explosive plays have been the primary concern, pointing to long runs allowed by the defense and emphasizing the need for better overall execution.
On offense, Kelly said quarterback Caden Creel appears increasingly comfortable in the pocket. He credited both Creel’s development and the offensive line’s protection while noting there are still opportunities for improvement.
Kelly said film review showed two plays where a different read potentially could have produced significant additional yardage.
“He doesn’t have to win the game,” Kelly said of Creel. “He just has to do his job.”
Kelly also discussed the continued development of offensive lineman Lance Johnson, who was recognized as Conference USA Offensive Lineman of the Week.
Johnson later said he learned of the honor through social media and described the recognition as a reflection of the work he has put in and the trust he has developed with his coaches. Johnson, who played tackle last season, is adjusting to playing guard this year.
Linebacker Aiden Thompson also spoke about returning from a torn ACL suffered during the third week of last season. Thompson said the rehabilitation process included periods when he questioned whether he would be able to play again, but continued treatment and encouragement from Jacksonville State’s coaching and training staffs helped him return in time for spring practice.
Thompson said the linebacker group is now emphasizing physicality and effort as Jacksonville State prepares to face Ohio.
He said Ohio presents a challenge with a large offensive line and that the Gamecocks’ linebackers will need to complement the defensive front by playing physically and maintaining the standard expected of the defense.
Jacksonville State will now look to build on its performance against Eastern Kentucky while adjusting to the loss of one of its linebackers and continuing its early-season development.
