Last year’s setback help build to a phenomenal come back.
This past spring sophomore kicker JJ Jerman (Seymour, Tenn.) suffered a severe knee injury but by the looks of how the season has started, Jerman has recovered well.
Last week was definitely a huge one for Jerman after completing the game winning 24-yard field goal in the season opener against Kennesaw State on Sept. 3.
Last season the Bucs lost to Kennesaw 56-16 in the season opener, but Jerman’s kick helped the team come out of double overtime victorious last week defeating Kennesaw 20-17.
“This is something you always dream about,” Jerman said. “I went out there … and yes my nerves were running high, but I was ready for it. We prepare for situations like this in practice and it’s a great feeling to have it pay off in a game.”
Completing big time kicks in big games is nothing new to Jerman.
Jerman attended Seymour High School. He was an all-conference and all-county pick both in his junior and senior seasons. In his final season of high school, he received all-state honors, he was a perfect 13-of-13 on extra points, and he went 4-of-6 on field goal attempts.
In his first season of collegiate ball, Jerman did not shy away from doing what he does best. He was a three-time Bowman Jewelers Special Teams Player of the Week recipient in his performances against Kennesaw State, Emory & Henry and Robert Morris.
In all 11 games that Jerman played last year, he was a perfect 22-for-22 in extra points, 8-of-13 in field goals made and led ETSU in scoring with 46 points.
He finished last season averaging 56 yards per kickoff, 25 kickoffs for 1,399 yards, two touchbacks and 12 punts for 440 yards.
Outside of athletics, he is also a Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll member.
Following last weekend’s game, Jerman received Special Teams Player of the game and also Southern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.
He also has been picked to be on the watch list for the Fred Mitchell Award. This award goes to the top kicker in college football.
Jerman returns to the field this weekend at the Bucs at Bristol.
