Jacksonville Saturday Stars

What a Saturday for the Jacksonville? The Friday Night Lights Stars are now key components of the teams they play for on Saturday. Today we recognize the players from Jacksonville that put on for the city on Saturday.

Vince Davis Jr., USF Safety

The former Lee General had his coming out party this weekend against UMass for the South Florida Bulls. He was exactly that, a bull. He forced 2 fumbles on special teams; on the second forced fumble, Davis recovered and returned it 12-yards for a touchdown. He was a beast. He has always been known as a hitter, but on Saturday he showed the country that he is a true bull.

Oh I almost forgot, that force fumble that was recovered and returned for a touchdown, Davis knocked the guy out on the ground. You do not want smoke with Davis.

Michael Pickney, LB, Miami

Pickney has been a force for the Miami defense for three years now. When he came into Miami, most thought he might be the player that would have to adjust the most to the game because he wasn’t rated as high as the other two linebackers that had joined him his freshman year, but boy were they wrong. He not only started day 1 at Miami, but he has become a fan favorite on and off the field. Pickney carries himself like the old Miami players from the early 2000s. Pickney not only talks the talk but he walks the walk, and Saturday vs Florida State was no different.

In a after practice interview leading up to Saturday, Pickney was asked how important is the FSU game, and he responded with ” (This is the game) defines your season, and people are gonna ask did you win this game or what did you do in this game,” so Pickney was ready.

On Saturday, Pickney made one of the biggest plays of the second half when he picked of FSU quarterback Deandre Francois inside FSU territory. That interception lead to a Miami touchdown that brought the game within 6. Miami was down 20 to start the 3rd quarter, and by the time the fourth had started, Miami was only down by 6. Pickney is truly the heart and soul of the UM defense and team.

D.J. Mathews, WR/PR, Florida State

The former Sweetwater Pop Warner National Champion, First Coast/ Trinity Christian High School baller from Jacksonville, FL played outstanding for FSU this weekend against Miami. Mathews made is money in the Miami FSU rivalry with a key 74-yard punt return that put FSU up 20 against their in-state rival.

All game Mathews put FSU in key position to score with his punt returns. He had a 46-yard return as well. He almost threw the game sealing touchdown on a trick play that was called back due to an controversial illegal forward pass. Mathews is only a sophomore, but the small receiver has always made an impact no matter what team he is.

Although FSU loss, Mathews was the bright spot in a game that saw the Seminoles their 20 point lead disappear before their eyes. Now at .500, the question is, where do FSU go from here.

(Featured Photo: Lynne Sladky/ AP)

 

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