SPOTLIGHT : Garner Gives CSUN a Boost in His Debut at Tailback

Jess Garner was not even listed on the depth chart for Cal State Northridge’s football opener last Saturday at Eastern Washington. But by game’s end, Garner led Matador tailbacks with 28 rushing yards, 12 carries and four pass receptions (for 31 yards).

This after a rather rude awakening.

Garner, a 6-foot-2, 207-pound sophomore, made his debut as a collegiate running back on the Matadors’ third possession. On his first carry, he was thrown for a four-yard loss.

“I wasn’t expecting to get into the game so soon,” Garner said. “Once I got in there, I knew what I was capable of.”

Garner’s first attempt as a receiver had better results. On the play after his initial setback, he caught a seven-yard pass.

However, his first try at passing was about as successful as his first run.

On second and 13 from the Eastern Washington 24, Garner attempted a tailback-option pass and lofted it well past Adam McKinney, who was wide open in the end zone.

“I was sucking air on that 28-pitch pass,” Garner said, noting that a sore left quadriceps muscle had forced him to miss two weeks of fall practice. “I knew I was tired and I didn’t want to throw short and have it intercepted. It was my own fault. He was so wide open.”

Again, on the ensuing play, Garner redeemed himself. He caught a screen pass, turned up field and made a nifty cut inside for a 15-yard gain and a first down.

Because Garner had a game-high 32 yards in seven carries during Northridge’s fall intrasquad game, his effort in CSUN’s 20-13 loss to Eastern Washington cannot be considered much of a surprise. But even though he once again outplayed senior Victor DeVaughn and Harbor College transfer Bill Harris in the game against the Eagles, Garner has not yet claimed a starting job.

He said he is in no hurry. “I’m still young,” said Garner, a former Oak Park High standout. “I’m just going to do my best if I get in. Hopefully, I’ll be a starter my last two years.”

Last fall, Garner gave up his natural position after seeing DeVaughn and Albert Fann, the school’s all-time rushing leader, line up at tailback.

“I weighed about 180 pounds,” Garner said. “I saw all those big guys and decided I better find a position better suited for my body.”

He switched to safety, but by this spring he had gained 25 pounds and was eager to carry the ball again.

“I didn’t understand the coverages,” Garner said of his stint in the secondary. “I decided I better go back to what I know I can do.”