Oakland football RB Jeron Rooks embodies 'Chip Nobody' persona

Despite being 12-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state most of the season, Oakland's football team still relishes the persona of "Chip Nobody." 

"Chip Nobody" is a motto the team adopted that portrays a lack of college attention and a roster full of players nobody had heard of prior to the season.

Perhaps the player that embodies that the most is senior running back Jeron Rooks.

Rooks, a 6-1, 190-pounder, is the best player on arguably the best team in the state.

However, his college offers are minimal, he wasn't on anyone's preseason lists and he wasn't a semifinalist for Mr. Football.

This, despite rushing for 1,425 yards and 22 touchdowns (9.7 average per carry) and also leading the team with 582 receiving yards and nine more scores.

"Probably a lot of reason is that he came out of nowhere," said Oakland coach Kevin Creasy, whose squad plays host to Cookeville Friday night in the 6A state quarterfinals. "Last year he played behind (Lazarius) Patterson, and he hardly ever came out of the game.

"(Rooks) sat in the shadows and waited his turn."

TSSAA Class 6A state high school football quarterfinals preview

What he's done since getting that turn has been a big reason Oakland is back in BlueCross Bowl talk after reaching the state final last year.

"I started from the bottom and worked my way up," said Rooks. "It was hard work and dedication.

"I'll admit (lack of attention) has motivated me to push harder. But (Mr. Football) is a one-man trophy. I would much rather have the team trophy."

Despite putting up numbers similar or better than many of his highly recruited peers, Rooks has just one official offer — Arkansas-Monticello. Rooks got started late in the recruiting process and is not listed on 247Sports or Rivals sites. 

"We knew he could have a special senior year," Creasy said. "What he's done his whole life is prove people wrong."

Oakland's 6A state quarterfinal foe Cookeville bucking trends in 2017

Not the only chips

Oakland's quarterfinal opponent has a lot in common with the Patriots.

But the Patriots have been used to the bull's eye on their backs.

"A lot of teams have been coming after us," Rooks said. "They all have chips on their shoulders, too. They don't want to go home."

Rooks said it would take "Preparation, focus and communication" for the Patriots to have success Friday night against the Cavaliers (10-2), who are coming off a 56-17 win over Riverdale in the second round.

Class 6A high school football quarterfinals: Things to know

Oakland stats leaders

Rushing: Jeron Rooks 147 for 1,425, 22 TDs; Timmy Goodrich 68 for 504, 9 TDs.

Passing: Brevin Linnell 46-of-77 for 927 yards, 11 TDs, 1 interception.

Receiving: Jeron Rooks 25 for 582, 9 TDs; Woodi Washington 19 for 404, 2 TDs.

Tackles: Michael Bond 93 (45 solo); Jalen Locklayer 84 (39 solo).

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjocye@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.