Three Jackson State football players who could be eligible to return for a fifth year were at the Tigers' annual Bleed Thee Blue Fall Fan Fest on Aug. 16.
The NCAA has appealed U.S. District Court of Colorado judge Charlotte Sweeney's ruling that gave high school Class of 2022 players who didn't redshirt or sign pro contracts a fifth year of eligibility July 31.
Linebacker Reid Pulliam, safety B.J. Washington and defensive lineman Kazarius Bowie participated in the event, signing autographs for fans. However, their return to the team has not been made official by Jackson State, according to a school spokesperson.
Pulliam and Washington started for JSU last year, with Pulliam earning All-SWAC first-team honors.
Pulliam led the team with 74 tackles and was second with 10 tackles for loss. He also recorded three pass breakups, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery and three quarterback hurries.
Washington finished with 50 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and six pass breakups. His 50 tackles were the fifth most on the team.
Bowie played in 11 games as a backup, recording 13 tackles and three quarterback hurries.
Bowie and Washington were added to Jackson State’s online roster on Aug. 11, but Pulliam has not been included.
Jackson State did not make football players or coaches available for interviews.
Jackson State fans show support at fan fest
Players and coaches from the football, volleyball, soccer and cross country teams gathered to interact with fans and sign autographs in anticipation of the start of their respective seasons.
“These guys have worked hard,” assistant head coach Eric Gallon said, addressing the crowd in place of coach T.C. Taylor, who was not at the event. “They have prepared, and what we expect to do is go out and dominate our opponents every single week from Game 1 all the way up until Game 13 until we see you in Atlanta (Celebration Bowl).”
Fans went from table to table to speak to and take pictures with their favorite players, with the football team drawing the largest crowd.
The fans appreciated the opportunity to show their support to the teams for the work the athletes do to represent the university.
“The kids work really hard to make sure that they put on a good show for us every time they get out there on the field, on the court,” Chantal Sheperd said. “So it’s very important that we let them know that we support them. … It’s very important to let them know that they have a community behind them because they do work hard and they do put a lot on the line. So we just want them to know that they’re appreciated.”
The football team’s first game of the season is Aug. 29 (7:30 p.m. CT, ESPN+) against Tennessee State at Vanderbilt's FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
The soccer team is already two games into its season, having lost to Mercer and Abilene Christian. The next game is Aug. 20 at McNeese State. Volleyball has exhibitions scheduled for Aug. 19 and 21, and its season opener is Aug. 28 against Kansas City.
Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: 3 Jackson State football players who could get 5th year of eligibility attend fan fest