Chris Rias stands out as the lone former J.Z. George Jaguar who is on a junior college or college football roster entering the 2020 season.
Rias will be a sophomore at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson this fall when the season is expected to start October 1 after the delay because of COVID-19. The Mississippi Association of Community Colleges met just over a week ago and came up with that plan.
Because of the coronavirus outbreak that began in mid-March, Rias was no longer on campus at Co-Lin to go through spring workouts. He has spent the past four months working out on his own or with another teammate from Co-Lin.
The hard work has paid off for the former Jaguar, who weighed about 190 pounds when he left the North Carrollton school to begin junior college.
Rias now weighs 225 pounds and stands 6-foot-3. He's playing defensive end and hybrid linebacker.
"The big difference has been working out on your own rather than with teammates at the school," he said. "I've just kept going. I've taken this opportunity and ran with it to get better. I've been working out in the evenings at J.Z. George with one of my teammates from Co-Lin who is from Winona. I've gotten stronger, and I've improved my speed. I'm much faster and quicker."
Rias' freshman campaign at Co-Lin wasn't too bad for a young player. He started four games at defensive end. He finished with 21 total tackles, five tackles for loss and had one fumble recovery.
"I started eating more so I could put on some weight. I've learned in college it's like a job. Coaches stay on you, but it's up to you if you want to improve," Rias said. "My position coach has really worked with me about my technique. They like the fact I'm quick enough I can rush the passer, but I can also drop back in coverage."
Apparently, coaches on the next level have noticed Rias. He has verbally committed to Louisiana-Monroe and has drawn interest from South Alabama and Troy.
"They all say they like me as an edge rusher. They like my speed (he's been timed at 4.67 seconds in the 40)."
Rias feels like he is not only doing this for himself, but for his family, and former teammates and younger players at J.Z. George.
"I want to prove to the guys I grew up with and my family that you can accomplish something with hard work. I never thought I'd be in this situation, but I'm going to make the best of this."
Rias said he is majoring in physical education with the hopes of one day coaching.
