Quinshon Judkins Spreads Love in Hometown

College football players don’t get much free time, especially during the fall and winter seasons, making it all the more special when they get to visit home. Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins recently touched down in his hometown of Pike Road, Alabama, and spread a little extra love after transferring from Ole Miss.

Judkins’ inspiring announcement

On May 5, Judkins made an appearance at the Alabama Kidney Foundation Walk. There, he announced an exciting pledge alongside another Pike Road resident, Jerry Kocan.

Kocan has had kidney disease, so he knows the impact it can have on individuals. So, for every touchdown Judkins scores in the 2024 season, Kocan has pledged to donate $1,000 to the Foundation, WSFA12 says.

“If you’ve seen this young man [Judkins], he’ll have a couple dozen,” said Kocan.

Kocan’s pledge will add to an already record-breaking total. The organization’s goal was to raise $185,000 and they have already passed $200,000.

“Just to see this community come out and support each other, everybody come out and celebrate and come together for a cause that’s bigger than everyone else, it’s been awesome to see,” Judkins expressed to WSFA12.

Another shock for Pike Road

Just two days later, Judkins visited his former high school. There, he had yet another special surprise. 

Judkins presented a $10,000 check to the high school football program. The 20-year-old used his Name, Image, and Likeness earnings to do so. 

“He doesn’t have to do [this], but he’s doing it. He is leading a great example for you guys [to] one day, hopefully, give back to the younger generation, as well,” Pike Road coach Granger Shook stated.

According to Yahoo!, he was also very observant during practice and “made himself available to every player who asked him questions about high school and college football.”

Judkins steps into a leadership role

Junior running back Ja’Micheal Jones recently received an offer from Ohio State, so he was especially attentive to Judkins’ advice.

“He was sharing with me things he has learned over the years, especially with us playing the same position,” Jones said according to Yahoo! “I want to learn everything so I can be prepared for college, and he has the experience to teach that to a young guy like me.”

He closed out the practice by sharing more advice, not about the game, but related to work ethic and being a leader. He then shared a prayer with the team and allowed any of the players to take a photo with him.

“It was an awesome feeling just to be back in my community. I grew up here since I was in middle school and to be around people who have helped me get to where I am today is an awesome feeling,” Judkins said. “There are a lot of things said about NIL, and I just wanted to impact others. I was blessed with NIL, and I just want to give back and pay it forward for someone else,” Yahoo! writes.

Overall, it was clearly a momentous week for Judkins. Keep an eye on this new Buckeyes’ running back to see what other heartwarming gestures he has in store.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.