Bozeman running back and state champion weightlifter signs PWO to Southern Mississippi

LYNN HAVEN — In front of family, friends, coaches and members of the community, Bozeman star running back Chance Jenkins signed a PWO (preferred walk-on) to continue his football career at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Jenkins transferred to Bozeman for his final season of varsity football and the decision paid off in a multitude of ways. The senior finished the year with 130 carries for 1,002 yards and 13 touchdowns earning first-team all-county.

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The senior played a key role in the Bucks 12-1 season, highlighted by the late-game heroics kicking the game-winning field goal against Chipley, snapping the Tigers 11-game home winning streak.

"I told our coaches after 10-15 minutes of watching him (Jenkins) practice that this was the piece that we were missing," Former Bozeman coach Jason Griffin said. "He made an immediate impact on our team, he is such a positive guy and I leaned on him to encourage other players which I have never done before."

Jenkins, a member of the Arnold weightlifting team is also a state champion in the 169 weight category after lifting a 625 total in the traditional lift. He also earned bronze in the Olympic lift.

Southern Mississippi competes in the Sun Belt Conference and finished 3-9 last season. The Golden Eagles are led by fourth-year head coach Will Hall and have acclaimed football alumni including Brett Favre, Jamie Collins and Frank Gore Jr.

Banji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bozeman star running back Chance Jenkins signed to continue playing football at Southern Mississippi