Johnny Rodgers & De’Mornay Pierson-El: what is their link?

What’s the connection between Husker legend and Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers and Husker football freshman De’Mornay Pierson-El? They will soon have their hands on the same trophy. No we’re not saying De’Mornay will have a Heisman, well at least not just yet. But the two will meet up soon to discuss one, of that I can assure you.

Sep 13, 2014; Fresno, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver De

An award ceremony for the 2014 Jet Award will take place in Omaha on April 2nd. Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett will receive the Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers National College Football Return Specialist Award. J.J. Nelson, from UAB (where they recently disbanded the football program) will receive the award for the Jet Award for Most Valuable Kick Returner.

Dec 6, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) tries to elude Baylor Bears safety Orion Stewart (28) during the game at McLane Stadium. The Bears defeated the Wildcats 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska’s own De’Mornay Pierson-El will take home the Jet Award for the Most Valuable Punt Returner. It’s quite an accomplishment for a guy who is still in his freshman year of college. We sat down with him and chatted a little about what it’s been like this past year for him in a later report.

Johnny Rodgers’s return is something that every

Husker

fan has seen and heard for quite some time, including Pierson-El. In fact, when the two were speaking, Pierson-El told Johnny he’s looking to break every one of his records. While Johnny jokingly said De’Mornay could wait a few years before he does that, he truly hopes the young man from Virginia will do just that.

Two-time Heisman trophy winner Archie Griffin of Ohio State will present the awards and be the keynote speaker at the event. The Jet Award was established in 2011, honoring the best return specialist in Division I college football. This year the award was broken down into specific categories as outlined above. In order to be eligible for the award, the player must be a primary punt or kick returner. Off the field the player must have other qualities, such as leadership, courage, desire and respect for authority and discipline.

Husker Corner will have exclusive access to the ceremony and the award winners. Make sure and follow us on twitter and facebook so you don’t miss it. in the meantime, GO BIG RED!!!