By Jim Johnson
SouthernPigskin.com

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Halfway through the year, Kevin Ellison has 591 yards and four touchdowns in the passing game, and he has another 674 yards and five touchdowns when he keeps the rock for himself.

It’s a shame the Georgia Southern Eagles are not eligible for a bowl game, because they absolutely deserve an appearance.

The Eagles currently have the number one rushing offense in the entire country. Not to mention their top 30 ranking in both points for and points against.

So what’s it like to be the quarterback of the best running attack in college football? How do you deal with limited opportunities to showcase your arm and take advantage of the opportunities you do get? Kevin Ellison is a quintessential example of what an option quarterback should be. He can run, he can throw, he can do it all; he’s a Swiss Army knife of a football player.

Halfway through the year, Ellison has 591 yards and four touchdowns in the passing game, and he has another 674 yards and five touchdowns when he keeps the rock for himself. As fast and shifty as they come, it’s difficult to remember the last time anyone got a clean hit on the sophomore signal caller. It’s challenging to stay in your lane and be content with playing your role for the betterment of the team when you’re as physically gifted as Ellison, but the young quarterback plays his part with the confidence and poise of a seasoned veteran.

Speaking of Swiss Army knives, the guy can punt too. As this is being written, the Eagles are downing another one of Ellison’s kicks inside the twenty yard line. Can you ask much more of a modern day QB? Not within reason.

When you watch the Eagles win and win and win again, you may not notice Ellison because it’s not his job to stand out. His job is to make sure they continue to win and win and win, and he does his job week in and week out, without calling attention to himself. It’s rare to find a talent like Ellison that doesn’t get caught up in his own hype, but Georgia Southern has done it.

It is truly disappointing that the Eagles are not bowl eligible this year, because any chance to watch Ellison run Southern’s option offense is an opportunity to witness greatness. It’s a good thing he’s only a sophomore. Hang tight, GSU fans, Ellison will soar his Eagles to the highest of heights.