VIDEO: Coaches in Cars Getting Coffee – Leonard Weaver
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – This is the sixth part in an eight-part series chronicling Carson-Newman football's positions for the 2022 season. This feature breaks down the Eagle ball carriers with the assistance of running backs coach Leonard Weaver.
The running back room is largely new for 2022. Of 378 carries last year, Carson-Newman returns just 40 to go along with 172 yards.
Jelan Pearson is Carson-Newman's leading returning rusher. He was fourth on the team last year in an injury-shortened year.
Pearson appeared in six games with one start in Carson-Newman's backfield. He carried the ball 33 times for 143 yards and a touchdown.
"Jelan is more explosive," Weaver said. "It's great to watch him flourish and watch how he moves. He does everything you ask him to do and he's a playmaker."
He had his best game against Mars Hill when he tallied nine carries for 51 yards and a score. His long rush of the year came at Tusculum when he tallied an 18-yard carry. Pearson caught two passes for six yards.
Jayden Sullins saw time in the backfield. He carried the ball seven times for 29 yards. The bulk of his work came against Limestone when he carried the ball five times for 22 yards. Sullins was a prolific kick returner. He brought back 11 kicks for 309 yards with a long return of 53 yards against Mars Hill. He brought back four kicks for 118 yards against Lenoir-Rhyne.
Finally, while scantly used in the backfield, TJ King added oodles of muscle in the offseason.
"TJ King has made an impact early on," Weaver said. "He's been impressive throughout camp. He's become a vocal leader in that room and is taking steps to be a coach on the field. At time's I think he's coaching me. There's no question he has turned himself into a physical specimen in the weight room."
King had five tackles as a member of Carson-Newman's special teams last year.
Carson-Newman brings in two transfers in the running back room who should add value in Dodge City Community College transfer Tyler Curtis and Western Carolina transfer Tyree Nelson.
"TC is a bigger back. He's so physical and is a down hill runner," Weaver said. "He has really good hands for a guy to move the way he does."
Curtis played running back at Parkview High School, averaging 10.4 yards per carry for the Panthers. Earned All-Region Honorable Mention honors. Was also a member of the track & field squad.
"Tyree has become that guy who can get into the open field," Weaver said. "He and Jelan are similar in their styles of play. He catches the ball well and runs precise routes. He's elusive and fast."
Nelson saw action in five of the Catamounts nine games, each coming in the spring semester as an offensive reserve and on special teams. He recorded three rushes for four yards and returned six kickoffs for 162 yards, finishing with 169 all-purpose yards.
Nelson made his collegiate debut at Samford (Feb. 27), rushing three times for four yards and returned one kickoff for 26 yards.
In high school, rushed for 813 yards on 121 carries with 11 touchdowns before a leg injury in his final season as a prep. Was an honorable mention 6-A Georgia All-State from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Rushed for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore, collecting second-team All-Region 5-6A.
Carson-Newman's position previews continue Tuesday with the special teams.
