Jacksonville, AL – In a recent press conference, Jacksonville State University (JSU) football head coach Rich Rodriguez shared insights on his team’s improvement, upcoming challenges, and the team’s evolving strategy as they approach another crucial game.
Coach Rodriguez opened the conference by discussing the team’s transition from mid-week games back to a Saturday schedule. He acknowledged that the shift is more manageable for the players, especially those who had not previously experienced the mid-week games typical of Conference USA (CUSA) play. “It’s not a real complicated formula. You treat every day like it’s a Saturday game day and ensure your players are getting proper rest,” Rodriguez said. While the team has handled this unique schedule well, Rodriguez emphasized the importance of getting back to a regular rhythm with Saturday game days, which the players seem to prefer.
Reflecting on the team’s current position, Rodriguez noted that despite a tough 0-3 start to the season, the team has stayed true to its approach and improved steadily. “It wasn’t how we practiced; it was how we went about doing things. The key was sticking to the process. We just needed to correct some mistakes,” he explained, citing the team’s resilience and focus as major factors in their recent success.
On the defensive front, Rodriguez highlighted the challenge posed by the upcoming opponent’s defense. He described the defense as “the most improved” he’s seen this season and pointed out their strong tackling and disciplined play. “Nobody has moved the ball consistently on them, including North Carolina State. It’s going to be a challenge,” Rodriguez noted. The new defensive coordinator has helped implement a tough scheme that has proven difficult to crack.
Rodriguez also discussed the team’s offensive strategy, particularly their strong running game. He spoke about his commitment to maintaining a run-heavy attack while also utilizing the quarterback in the run game, a move that sets JSU apart from other teams. “We’re committed to it. We have to be ready to throw it when they stack the box,” he said, adding that his offensive line’s consistent play has been crucial to their success.
One of the standout areas for JSU this season has been their second-half performance. Over the last six games, the team has outscored their opponents 145-37 in the second half, which Rodriguez attributes to a combination of factors, including their conditioning and tempo. “Our guys are in pretty good shape, and the tempo helps. Conditioning is a huge factor in football, and we’ve worked hard to make sure our players stay in shape as the season goes on,” he said.
In terms of player injuries, Rodriguez confirmed that while some key players, like Ryan Wiggins, may return in the near future, others like Vaughn are still recovering. “Vaughn hasn’t practiced yet, but we hope he’ll start practicing next week,” Rodriguez added.
Following Coach Rodriguez’s comments, players Jameer Latimer and Tyler Huff joined the press conference. Latimer, the CUSA Defensive Player of the Week, shared his gratitude for the recognition and credited his success to hard work and his faith. “It means everything to me. This is my second year here, and I’m just happy to help my team win and put ourselves in a position for a conference championship,” Latimer said.
Quarterback Tyler Huff, a finalist for the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Merit Award in 2023 and 2024, spoke about his competitive nature. “As a quarterback, you’ve got to earn the respect of your teammates. Playing hard and not being afraid to take hits, that’s the mindset I’ve always had,” Huff explained.
When asked about the team’s turnaround from their early-season struggles, both Latimer and Huff emphasized the importance of staying focused and maintaining high standards. “We had to calm down and reassess where the issues were. It was about getting back to the basics and paying attention to the details,” Latimer said, while Huff added that the team improved with each game, citing their hard practice sessions after the tough double overtime loss to Eastern.
As the season progresses, Coach Rodriguez and his team are focused on continuing their momentum, with big stakes ahead. The Gamecocks are in position to contend for a conference title, and Rodriguez’s emphasis on conditioning, strategy, and player development will be critical to their success in the coming weeks.
