Junior receiver JJ Nash understands the expectations and pressure of his name at Marist.
Nash’s father, Jeremy, ranks among the best athletes in school history, earning eight varsity letters across three sports. His son carries that with him, but it hasn’t turned into a burden.
“My father created a very high standard here, but I’m just trying to create my own path,” the younger Nash said with a knowing nod. “I want to do my own thing and succeed in my own way.”
JJ Nash was a rousing success Friday night for the RedHawks.
He set up the opening touchdown with a 9-yard catch and then grabbed a pass for a TD to spark Marist to a 28-14 win over host St. Laurence in a Catholic League crossover in Burbank.
Junior quarterback Jake Fleming passed for 196 yards and three TDs to lead Marist (5-3). Senior running back Conor Hunt added a 43-yard TD run and finished with 75 yards on the ground.
Junior running back Kenyan Morgan scored on runs of 10 and 15 yards for St. Laurence (2-6).
But the big key? It had to be Nash.
“He’s a playmaker,” Fleming said. “I know I can always trust him. He’s a great route runner and he can make plays with the ball. He’s tall, agile and athletic and just makes plays.”
Nash also had a huge 19-yard catch on fourth down to set up a 16-yard TD connection between the Fleming brothers as Jake threw to his Conor, a sophomore.
“He made two great plays with the TD and that catch,” Marist coach Mike Fitzgerald said of Nash. “There’s no substitute for competition at the highest level, and he’s done that here in two sports.
“He’s a special player, very gifted and athletic.”
By the time he graduated in 2006 from Marist, Jeremy Nash was the third-leading scorer in the basketball program’s history. He was also a standout receiver who played four varsity seasons.
The oldest of three sons, JJ has begun to mirror his dad’s achievements. Call it the son also rises.
“My dad always encouraged me to play both sports and it has really helped me in the long run,” Nash said. “Football helps with basketball and now basketball does the same with football.
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“They really complement each other.”
At nearly 6-foot-3, Nash utilizes his size, agility and athleticism to singular effect. He made a great move to get open on his TD catch.
“I know how to use my long stride,” he said. “When it comes to the jump ball, I can get up there and use my athleticism. I feel like I’m very elusive and a great route runner.”
Eager to create his own identity, JJ Nash pays the ultimate tribute to his father by wearing the same No. 23. Jeremy Nash wore that number as all-Big Ten choice in basketball at Northwestern.
“My dad wore it all through grade school and high school,” JJ said. “I wanted to represent him.”
Nash also played for his father, who is Marist’s junior varsity basketball coach. JJ was elevated to the varsity during the RedHawks’ historic run to the Class 4A state championship last March.
“My dad’s a great coach and it was amazing playing for him,” JJ said. “He pushes everybody to work their hardest.”
Winning state together in basketball was a bonding experience, too.
“It was amazing because my dad never was able to achieve that when he was here,” JJ said. “What I learned from being on varsity is you have to work hard in every single practice.”
Playing football has only accelerated what he calls the duality of his nature.
“Football has brought out a different side of me that I just love,” he said. “I’ve become more physical, my body bigger and stronger, and that helps with every aspect.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.