By Mike London
mike.london@salisburypost.com

SPENCER — North Rowan junior Jamarion Tarver, known to the world as Jo Jo, is a triple threat in sports — football, basketball and fishing.

“I do like to fish,” Tarver said. “The biggest fish I’ve ever caught? That would be when I went out on a boat with Coach (Jason) Causby.”

The dimensions of Tarver’s largest catch have not been verified, but his football stats are official. He’s led Rowan County rushers pretty much all season. After 11 games, he has 1,186 yards on 147 attempts — that’s 8 yards per carry — with nine TDs.

There are several things that make those nice numbers even more impressive.

First, he’s a two-way player. In Friday’s 41-34 playoff win against Cherryville, he not only ran for 116 yards and a touchdown, he made six tackles as a defensive back.

Second, he’s one of the smallest Cavaliers. He’s 5-foot-8 and weighs maybe 145 pounds.

Third, he’s in his first year as North’s primary ball carrier.

“Honestly, we went into this season thinking we’d be running the ball by committee,” North head coach Josh Sophia said. “But Jo Jo has been so good, it’s been his job. He has really good vision. He’s a little undersized, but he’s elusive and he runs hard.”

In the Cherryville game, Tarver took a simple toss to his right. He should haver gained 3 yards, but he made at least six Ironmen miss and rolled for 40.

“Just trying to weave my way through those tackles,” said Tarver, who also made an over-the-shoulder catch that covered 45 yards.

Tarver had big cleats to fill. Last season’s running back Jaemias Morrow broke school records for career touchdowns and rushing yards.

“I remember Jaemias telling me last year that it was my turn now,” Tarver said. “I’ve done my best.”

He’s had a three-TD game and an 80-yard run. There have been a lot of highlights.

Growing up, Tarver thought basketball would be his main sport because his quickness makes him tough to stay in front of when he has the ball and he can create defensive pressure. An injury his sophomore year set him back some in basketball, but he’s been able to come back from it.

His football success this season has been eye-opening for him.

“Right now football and basketball are pretty even for me,” Tarver said. “It might end up being football.”

Sophia is just happy he’s got Tarver for another high school season.

His attitude is priceless.

“Jo Jo is one of those kids that no matter how bad a day you’re having and no matter how bad a mood you’re in, he can walk in and put a smile on your face,” Sophia said.

 

 

 

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