FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/Nick Couzin) — Running back Jalen Bussey has only played 10 games for North Dakota State and already has seven touchdowns. These aren’t just any routine types of touchdowns; they are explosive ones. Bussey has a 63 and a 65 yarder, but the longest came this past weekend with a 72 yarder against Valpo.
“It’s not common that most of the people have the success that I’ve had. First career college carry was a touchdown. Second was a touchdown,” Bussey said. “It’s definitely a blessing and you can’t take it for granted. Teammates always joke around asking why I’m not in the game or on defense they say can you not touch the ball so we get a break.”
The most rushing attempts Bussey has had in one season came in the spring, toting the rock 45 times and while his touches were limited, he certainly made the most of his opportunities.
He posted a career high 395 yards, averaging nearly 9 yards per carry and 60 yards per game. Bussey is averaging an astounding 11.8 yards per rush through two games in the 2021 season.
“Knowing that it all works out,” Bussey said about splitting carries among a stable of talented backs. “Having the success that I have just proves trusting the process works, so I can’t complain too much.”
Bussey is only 5’5” and 161 pounds and while other schools had reservations about his size, NDSU was the place who welcomed him.
“I heard it a lot actually. Mostly from the bigger schools in Florida,” Bussey said. “There were a few who didn’t want to take a shot and NDSU was the first to take one. I appreciated that and really swayed my decision to come here.”
NDSU has a strong recruiting pipeline in Bussey’s home state of Florida. There are seven other players on the roster from the Sunshine State; however, one past Bison great inspired Bussey to make the move up north: Bruce Anderson.
“He was big in my area and I use to go see him play in high school,” Bussey said. I was told I was a lot like Bruce. To know that he also went here, it felt special because I didn’t know he would end up going here.”
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