Deion Sanders Calls RB Sy'veon Wilkerson 'A Pro'

Head coach Deion Sanders praises his transfer-portal running back who is making a difference at Jackson State.

Jackson State running back Sy'veon Wilkerson may be the "biggest transfer pickup in at least FCS football" for the 2022 season, Jamie Walker tweeted on Sunday. The longtime play-by-play announcer has a valid point. 

Sy'veon Wilkerson
Jackson State running back Sy'veon Wilkerson (26) pushes forward as offensive lineman Kirk Ford (70) holds back Grambling defensive lineman Wesley Green (92) during an NCAA college football game in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. JSU won 66-24. Tcl Grambling Jackson State

Shedeur Sanders is central to a Jackson State offense full of highly-talented skill players named Shane Hooks, Dallas Daniels, and Willie "Big Play" Gaines. 

Still, this is football. 

As a season progresses into November and December, a team must have a reliable and punishing running back to keep the offense grinding - this is Sy'veon Wilkerson.

The one-time West Virginia recruit and Delaware State transfer have given Brett Bartolone's offense the necessary punch to keep defenses guessing. Last season, the Tigers were heavily pass-oriented. Today, the Tigers use a mix of the run and pass to keep defenders off schedule.  

Sy'veon Wilkerson
Jackson State Tigers running back Sy'veon Wilkerson (36) runs the ball as Alabama State Hornets takes on Jackson State Tigers at ASU Stadium in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. Jackson State Tigers leads Alabama State Hornets 10-6 at halftime.  Credit: © Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK

On Monday, Coach Sanders told HBCU Legends:

"To have a running back who's consistent. And I truly mean consistent. The way he practices, the way he goes about his job, and he's physical. He could run by you. He could run through you, as well as catches the ball out of the backfield."

Saturday, he echoed his earlier sentiments on Wilkerson: 

"Sy'veon is a dog, man.  This is who he is, he's a pro.  He's physical. He run outside of tackles inside the tackles, he can catch the ball out of the backfield. He's no, he's not shy to put his head in there and block and protect our quarterback. He's a pro. And I'm proud to coach him. I really am. Easy coaching guys like that."

Sy'veon Wilkerson
Jackson State cornerback Sy'veon Wilkerson (36) breaks a tackle by Grambling defensive back Ryan Fields (21) during an NCAA college football game in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Tcl Grambling Jackson State  Credit:© Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK

After nine contests, Wilkerson ranks No. 2 in the SWAC and No. 17 in the FCS with 155 rushes, 887 rushing yards, averages 98.6 yards per game, seven rushing touchdowns, and a receiving touchdown. Get this, his 887 yards rushing equals the No. 19 FBS running back Devon Achane from Texas A&M.

His presence has made a significant difference for the Tigers. If a coach trusts a running back during crucial times of a tight and competitive contest, it could measure a team's ability to reach the postseason. 

Saturday's display of 25 carries for 215 yards is enough for Coach Sanders, Bartolone, and his quarterback Shedeur Sanders to know they have an exceptional talent in Sy'veon Wilkerson.


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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: