Name: Jarod Epperson
Position: Running Back
School: Augustana University (SD)
HT/WT: 5’11” 198
X: @EppersonJarod
Instagram: @_jarodepperson_
Achievements: 2x 1st team all NSIC (2021,2023), 2nd team NSIC (2019), NSIC conference champion (2021, 2023), 2nd team all super region 4 (2023), Augustana Offensive MVP (2023)
How’d you end up at your current school? What was the recruiting process like?
- I didn’t know much about Augustana and had only heard about it from former high school teammates. A teammate in my class had committed to Augie before they started talking to me. Coach Scholten contacted me to see about setting up a visit, so I went up to Sioux Falls, SD and it was a nice place. I ended up committing on the visit and I guess the rest is history. During the recruiting process, Coach Scholten would stop by my high school every couple of weeks to talk to be about the program and the school. I wasn’t recruited much by the bigger schools in my area; it was all the smaller schools which were D3 and NAIA. I wasn’t a fan of the recruiting process because it was stressful, and I wasn’t sure where I wanted to play. All I knew was that I wanted to play ball at the next level against some great competition. Once I committed to Augustana, I knew it would be a great fit and it was.
What gives you an advantage over other athletes at your position?
- I believe the thing that gives me an advantage over other athletes at my position is my versatility. I am able to get downhill in the run game between the tackles, but also catch the ball well out in space.
What does being a student of a game mean to you?
- Being a student of the game means that I am always learning on how to perfect my craft and consistently being a better player on and of the field.
How does being a (insert your position) reflect itself in your personal life?
- I believe the running back position requires immense dedication and toughness. This has taught me to never go “half in” on anything including school. I’ve always been told if you don’t do it right, do it again.
How would you describe your work ethic?
- I would describe my work ethic as relentless. I always want to know how to get better in all aspects of the game.
What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff?
- I think one of the more important things I learned from the coaching staff is to never settle and always strive for greatness. This has stuck with me through my college career and has taught me to stay hungry.
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
- I think my biggest accomplishment in my sports career so far is coming back from a nasty foot injury from 2022 and having a record setting 2023 season.
How did you hear about the National Scouting Combine?
- Jacob Monarrez, on twitter, reached out to me during the season and told me about it.
Why did you choose the National Scouting Combine?
- I chose this combine because they showed interest in me, and I want to be able to showcase my abilities in front of the right people.
What do you hope to show people at the combine?
- I hope to show people my versatility and ability to make plays with the ball in my hand.
What was your Major?
- My major is exercise science, and I’m currently finishing my master’s in athletic training.
If you could make a positive impact on all of society, what would it be and why?
- I think I would want to share football and physical activity with the youth of tomorrow to better build teamwork, determination, and commitment.
What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
- Something unique about me is that I can ride a unicycle. This helps me with balance and proprioception.
If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?
- I would want to play golf because you can play it for your entire life.
Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or “pay it forward” in your community?
- I have been involved with volunteering with our football team to help a local church’s soapbox derby, and we will help people in our area with whatever they need.