Feature Friday: SWAC coaches impressed by JSU's Therriault

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLARION LEDGER

GREENVILLE — There's something different about the Jackson State football team this year.
And it’s not hard to point out. The difference has been transfer quarterback Casey Therriault, who has lead the Tigers to a 2-0 record.
The Grand Rapids Community College quarterback has breathed new life into the Tigers, throwing for nearly 700 yards and seven touchdowns through two games. In his first game — which came against Delta State — the 6-foot-5 Michigan native threw for 404 yards and three touchdowns. He followed up his dynamic debut by lighting up Tennessee State last Saturday for 284 yards and four touchdowns in the Heritage Classic.
Therriault has come along at the right time for a team that won only three games last season. He’s now the arguably the most popular guy in Jackson, but those far from the Veteran’s Memorial Stadium have took notice.
“The difference (in JSU) is their quarterback play, said Grambling coach Rod Broadway. “He’s the big difference in their play. I like this kid.”
Alcorn State coach Earnest Collins also chimed in on the heralded quarterback.
“He’s impressive. He can throw the ball. That’s what he does, and he does it well,” said Collins.
Since last week’s win over Tennessee State, Therriault has been flooded with awards. He received College Football Performance Awards Performer of the Week Honorable Mention, HSRN National Player of the Week, and was recently tabbed as Boxtorow.com Co-National Player of the Week.
“Anytime you have a (player) that shows good leadership....that builds offensive play it really helps out your team,” said JSU coach Rick Comegy. “We’ve been looking for that for a long time, and we’re glad we got that.”
Still not a believer in Therriault? Well, maybe these stats will bring you to the other side: Jackson State quarterbacks threw for six touchdowns all last season; Therriault has seven through two games.
Despite his newfound stardom, Therriault is as humble as ever.
“....We actually have a goal this year, we have a dream — and that’s to go undefeated one game at a time,” he said in a recent radio interview. “....It’s really nothing else to say besides we’re ready to win games.”