Jay Pearson surpassed 300 yards of total offense last season while backing up former Eastern Illinois running back M.J. Flowers, who departed for FBS Connecticut. (Photo by Barry Bottino, PrairieStatePigskin.com)
By Barry Bottino
M.J. Flowers touched the football 450 times the past two years as the lead running back for Eastern Illinois. Jay Pearson had a view of it all.
With Flowers gone via the transfer portal to FBS Connecticut, Pearson is confident he can handle the load this fall for the Panthers.
“This year, my goal is to beat – and make bigger plays – than M.J. He knows that,” Pearson said.
The two friends remain in touch these days after arriving in Charleston as freshmen in 2022. The running back group that year featured veterans Markenzy Pierre, Jaelin Benefield and Kendi Young.
“The room that I came into my freshman year, there was a lot of experience,” said Pearson, now a redshirt junior. “I learned each year. This year, I can teach and learn.”
As the only returning running back who carried the football for EIU last season, Pearson is positioned to advance into the lead role.
“Jay is an explosive athlete,” EIU head coach Chris Wilkerson said July 17 during the Ohio Valley Conference-Big South Conference Football Association media day. “At times, we thought he might be a little more explosive than M.J. He just hasn’t had the repetitions and the volume to see if he can have that sustained durability. I know he’s excited about his opportunity.”
While Flowers rushed for 865 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, Pearson added 215 yards on 45 carries and one TD. Flowers, an accomplished receiver, also caught 45 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns.
Pearson caught six passes for 96 yards in 2024.
“I showed that I can compete and make big plays, and they can count on me,” the 6-foot, 210-pound Pearson said.
“He’s done a great job paying his dues and continuing to work,” Wilkerson said of Pearson, who has added 15 pounds to his frame since 2022.
Pearson had a 59-yard run against conference co-champion Tennessee Tech last season and a 55-yard reception against Lindenwood.
“He’s got a good grasp on what we’re doing,” Wilkerson said. “He can catch the ball. He can block the blitz. He’s a threat to go the distance and finish a run every time he touches the football.”
Wilkerson regularly talks about having “a pair and a spare” as part of a backfield rotation.
At EIU’s spring game, redshirt freshman Jacarre Fleming showed off his speed, rushing for two touchdowns. Post-spring, Eastern added FBS Akron transfer Charles Kellom, who played in 24 games over the past three seasons for the Zips. His 352 rushing yards last fall, which included 104 yards and a touchdown against Kent State, was a career high.
Both Fleming and Kellom are also expected to contribute this fall, which begins Aug. 28 when the Panthers host Dayton in the season opener.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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