Solis looks to build on freshman success
Aquinas running back had 37 TDs and 2,088 yards rushing last year
Jusyis “JoJo” Solis turned heads during a spectacular freshman season for the Aquinas football team.
Solis racked up 2,553 yards from scrimmage and scored 37 total touchdowns in 15 games last season, and his 2,088 rushing yards were the most by a freshman in Inland history.
The breakout season by Solis was among the reasons why Aquinas won the CIF Southern Section Division 7 championship and also claimed a CIF State Division 3AA regional title.
Aquinas coach Jordan Brusig had a good feeling about Solis entering the 2021 season, but it took some time before Solis had the opportunity to showcase his complete set of skills. Solis was banged up during the weeks leading up to the start of the season, and those lingering injuries forced Solis to miss the season opener against Etiwanda.
Solis made his debut the following week against Xavier Prep and had 133 yards and three touchdowns on only 12 carries.
“We finally got to see the dynamic things he can do on the football field,” Brusig said about that first sampling for Solis. “We didn’t want to put too much on his plate right away, but he just kept on getting better week in and week out.”
Solis was a bona fide superstar by the end of the season. He rushed for 279 yards and scored seven touchdowns as the Falcons won a rematch with Xavier Prep in the postseason opener. Solis capped the Division 7 championship run by rushing for 284 yards and scoring six total touchdowns in a 66-14 win over St. Pius X-St. Matthias.
In six postseason games last season, Solis rushed for 1,167 yards and found the end zone 18 times.
“He showed a more patient approach when he had the ball in his hands as the season went along,” Brusig explained. “At the beginning of the season, he just wanted to get the ball and go downhill. He showed a great deal of growth and discipline throughout the season. He waited for those holes to open up and then exploded right through them.”
Aquinas has a long history of great running backs. Glenn Ohaeri, Dozie Amajoyi, Chike Amajoyi and Brandon Rankins are just some of the notable names who have delivered big seasons for the Falcons in recent memory. Brusig played alongside Ohaeri and helped coached the others, and he believes Solis has the chance to join those great players.
“Time will tell, but the opportunity is certainly there,” Brusig said. “A lot of the other guys we’ve talked about didn’t really start until there sophomore or junior years. So for JoJo to have a season like he did as a freshman is pretty special. He’s going to keep getting bigger and stronger. It’s going to be fun to watch him get better over the years.”
In addition to his big rushing numbers, Solis also caught 24 passes or 465 yards last season. Solis will continue to get doubledigit carries, but Brusig said he wants to give Solis more opportunities as a receiver this season.
“He is just so dynamic in open space, so we’re going to see what we can do,” Brusig said. “We’re not going to try and reinvent the wheel or anything like that, but we want to take advantage of everything he can do out there.”
The Falcons have another loaded schedule this season, including nonleague games against Etiwanda, Cajon and Upland. Aquinas also has a new adventure ahead this season in the newlyformed Ironwood League. The
Falcons will square off against Valley Christian, Village Christian, Heritage Christian, Big Bear and Ontario Christian come league play.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to play great teams and maybe begin some new rivalries,” Bruisg said.