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Kelly expresses confidence in Jax State's running back prospects

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 22, 2026, 11:54 PM

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

College Sports

Summary

During Conference USA Media Day on Tuesday, Jacksonville State head coach Charles Kelly discussed the impact of former running back Cam Cook, who transferred to West Virginia after a standout season. Cook led the nation in rushing yards with 1,659 and earned Conference USA Player of the Year honors. Despite Cook's departure, Kelly emphasized his confidence in the team's current running backs, which includes Khristian Lando and Justus Savage, who excelled in the team's bowl game victory. Jacksonville State will open the upcoming season against North Dakota State on Aug. 29.

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Key Details

•Cam Cook was a key player for Jacksonville State, leading in rushing yards last season.
•Cook transferred to West Virginia after earning Conference USA Player of the Year honors.
•Khristian Lando and Justus Savage performed well in the bowl game triumph over Troy.
•Jacksonville State opens the season against North Dakota State on Aug. 29.
•Kelly remains optimistic about the team's depth at running back this upcoming season.

Latest Updates

11:54 PMYahoo Sports — Despite Cook's departure, Kelly remains confident in Jax State's running back room

What they're saying

"
Cam Cook entered the 2025 college football season as a relative unknown, but it didn’t take long for the former Jacksonville State running back to establish himself as one of the top players in the country. During Conference USA Media Day on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, Jax State head coach Charles Kelly reflected on the impact Cook made during his lone season with the Gamecocks. “Not one ...
— Yahoo Sports

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