Southern running back Kobe Dillon had a tough time getting on the field last season. In spring practice, he has a tough time getting off of it.
Dillon has been making up for lost time with Southern’s two main returning backs, Kendric Rhymes and CJ Russell, nursing health issues this spring. It’s especially beneficial for Dillon because new offensive coordinator Mark Frederick has said the Jaguars offense will return to a run-first approach.
“The show don’t stop. I've got to put the work in; whatever it takes,” said Dillon, who set the school record for single-game yards rushing with 267 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 2021.
Dillon (5-foot-11, 193 pounds) missed all of 2022 with a knee injury and was stuck behind Rhymes and senior Gary Quarles in 2023, rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries.
“I worked hard in the offseason, did a lot of running and conditioning to get my body right, eating right. I went through all the proper preparation,” Dillon said.
“My knee is back where I was before the injury. I worked the rehab more seriously than usual and its showing on the field. It didn’t slow me down. I have the same mindset.”
The coaching staff is giving him the chance. Dillon was the main ball carrier in last week’s scrimmage and was able to break off one touchdown run of about 40 yards.
Head coach Terrence Graves said he liked what he saw.
“Kobe has been a workhorse; he’s done a phenomenal job,” Graves said. “He’s getting back to the Kobe Dillon we know and love, showing a lot of great leadership as well. The guys have taken what the coaches have given and doing it with a great attitude, sense of urgency and sense of pride. They’re taking accountability for what they are doing. Hats off to them and the coaches for getting them where they are now.”
Graves said Rhymes, the team's leading rusher, and Russell could return soon, even though next week is the final one for spring drills. Braelen Morgan has been getting snaps as a backup to Dillon. More help will come in the summer.
Southern will need three solid backs with its increased emphasis on running the ball.
“We’re going to establish the run,” Frederick said. “We’re going to be physical up front and we’re going to win the game by running the football. We’re not going to put all the pressure on the quarterback.”
That’s music to Dillon’s ears. Dillon got some snaps last year as a wildcat quarterback in goal-line and short-yardage situations but isn’t sure if that will be the case this fall.
“Coach Fred is a great guy; he wants us to learn the simple stuff, the basics. Everything else will handle itself. A lot of the offense is the same. The terminology is different, he’s got his own ways of calling plays. There are some different concepts.
“I had a good scrimmage. I was breaking tackles. What I did in the weight room is showing. I feel like I’m going to have my best year.”
