Jackson Pugh has become the heartbeat of the University School of Jackson football.
A senior running back with college-level production, Pugh has powered the Bruins’ offense week after week and now stands among Tennessee’s elite as a Mr. Football semifinalist.
A Season of Power and Consistency
Pugh’s numbers tell the story of a player who carries both the ball and the expectations of his team with equal strength. He finished the regular season with 247 carries for 1,872 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. He added 17 receptions for 313 yards and six more scores, proving that he is more than a traditional ground-and-pound back. His ability to contribute in both phases makes him one of the most complete senior running backs in Tennessee high school football.
What separates Pugh from most backs at the high school level is not just volume. It is efficiency, vision, and toughness. Even deep into games, he produces hard yards and keeps USJ’s offense on schedule. Defenses often know the ball is coming his way and still struggle to contain him. When the Bruins need to move the chains, Pugh is the answer.
Strength, Speed, and Intelligence
At 5’10” and 200 pounds, Pugh runs with leverage and power. He bench presses 270 pounds and squats an impressive 485, numbers that match the physicality he shows on Friday nights. His 4.6 speed gives him the burst to break runs into the second level, and his willingness to play through contact makes him one of the toughest offensive players in West Tennessee.
However, his strengths are not limited to athleticism. Pugh reads blocks well, sets up defenders, and makes smart decisions in the open field. He plays with the poised maturity of a senior who has seen every defensive alignment and learned how to adjust.
More Than a Football Player
Pugh also plays baseball and maintains a 4.70 GPA, representing the ideal student athlete. His academic drive, community representation, and leadership qualities are just as strong as his football résumé.
The Road Ahead
With his senior season nearing its conclusion, Pugh is already attracting the kind of college attention that matches his production. Whether the play call is power, outside zone, or a swing pass, Pugh remains the focal point of an offense that leans on him in every critical moment. He is the difference-maker every program hopes to have, and the type of player who changes expectations.
If his career ends the way it has been played, Jackson Pugh will leave USJ as one of the most productive and respected running backs in school history.
