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Player Spotlight: Calhoun Excited About Opportunity With Rams


  
Jermie Calhoun
SAN ANGELO – A 10-yard gain rushed Jermie Calhoun's memory back five years to the glory that most athletes can only dream of.

“I was myself again,” Calhoun said. “I felt like I was back in high school with the ball in my hands and all the excitement around the game. I felt alive again.”

The carry, which came on Angelo State's second series in its 42-14 win over Western State last Saturday, was the first time Calhoun had touched a football in a game since Oct. 30, 2010 when he suffered a devastating knee injury while he was playing for the Oklahoma Sooners against the Colorado Buffaloes. Calhoun underwent surgery and through strenuous rehabilitation to regain strength in his right knee and also found himself facing a life-changing decision that ultimately led to his transfer from Oklahoma to Angelo State.

“I'm lucky this program is giving me a second chance,” he said. “I feel like I always belonged here.”

Calhoun arrived quietly at Angelo State with two years of eligibility remaining last January, unlike his arrival to Oklahoma. A five-star recruit out of high school, Calhoun was the nation's top-ranked running back and the state's top overall recruit. A punishing and elusive runner for the Van Vandals, he put the football world in a frenzy by running for 73 touchdowns and 5,314 yards in three seasons. His life's journey was chronicled in a Sports Illustrated article before he graduated high school and just about every college program contacted him about playing at their school. Four years later when he chose to transfer, he reached out to Angelo State with limited knowledge of the program but an immediate trust in its coaching staff.

“We didn't do anything differently when we recruited Jermie compared to anyone else,” ASU head coach Will Wagner said. “We developed a relationship from day one in the recruiting process. We were honest with him from the get go and let him know that coming here didn't guarantee him a starting spot. He is expected to compete and earn everything.

“Jermie brings his experience of playing in big games at the highest level and most importantly he brings his leadership. He is highly motivated and wants the team to be successful.”

Calhoun set the bar extremely high for himself on the football field – rushing for 359 yards in a game during his sophomore season in high school – but found even more satisfaction running for the 65 yards last week in his first game wearing an ASU uniform. Wearing jersey No. 34 since middle school because of legendary running backs Walter Payton and Earl Campbell, he also caught two passes and contributed in ways that reach beyond his individual statistics in the box scores.

“He is a complete running back who has the ability to make the big play and understands pass protection and the importance of being an unselfish player,” ASU offensive coordinator Theron Aych said. “He was the lead blocker 30 yards down the field on two of our big pass plays. That shows that he embraces the team aspect of football.”

Given the nickname “Old Hat” by his teammates because of his age, 23, and mature demeanor, Calhoun insists he is just another member of the Ram football team despite his decorated profile. His past is the past and he is physically and mentally prepared to help ASU win games this season.

“I'm more of a power runner now because I'm in a knee brace and it does limit me some in moves that I can make,” he said. “I'm still very capable of making big plays. I expect big things from myself and the team.”
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