NACOGDOCHES, TX (KTRE) – Ryan Epperson has gone from a one game starter in 2010 to the team's leading tackler so far during the 2011 season.
He is a great example of how patience and waiting your turn can eventually pay off.
It is now Epperson's turn to shine as he steps up to play for the Stephen F. Austin State University Lumberjacks in 2011. He has not let the coaches down. Currently, he leads the team in tackles after backing up Jabara Williams for two years.
Epperson says Williams, who now plays for the St Louis Rams, taught him much. "Four year starter and played his heart out every play, you learn a lot from him. He put in more work than anyone I know and look where he is at. He's at St. Louis, so something paid off. So, you learn from the best to be the best," Epperson said.
Epperson says there is no pressure like a football game, but he would not have it any other way. "Just like high school, you got to love the Friday night lights, and on in college you got to love the Saturday night lights, nothing is like it."
The ‘Jacks middle linebacker has made an impression on his coach, defensive coordinator David Gibbs, "He is a hard worker, he is an old school kind of line backer. You can't run your defense without a mike linebacker that can control so it's easy with him out there. He understands what I want and he gets it done."
Ryan Epperson and his 10 tackles in the Battle of the Pineywoods and 62 tackles on the season make him your ‘Jack of the Week.'
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