Henderson State University Athletics

Jerry (JR) Tolleson enters his third season as the running backs coach with Henderson State in 2025.

In 2024, he mentored Second Team All-GAC running back Jeremiah Davis, who finished top five in the conference at 70.6 rushing yards per game. Three different backs posted a combined six outings of more than 90 yards, with three of those going for more than 100 yards. Davis earned GAC Offensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 23, 2024, after rushing for a career-high 158 yards and three touchdowns against Arkansas Tech. In doing so, he became the first HSU running back to collect at least 150 rushing yards in a single game since 2018.

With Tolleson, the Henderson offense supported three running backs who all garnered at least 75 carries for 465 yards. Fredrick O'Donald led the room with 534 yards on 79 carries and four touchdowns.

Before coming to Henderson State in January, Tolleson spent his high school career at Magnet Cove School District, where he coached the defensive backs. While at Magnet Cove, the Panthers won a Junior High and Senior High Conference Title.

Tolleson holds a degree in Health and Physical Education from Henderson State. He married his wife, Isabella, in December.