Mt. Vernon Rams junior running back JaShawn Staples has been named this week’s Josh Finley Country Financial Ram of the Week from WMIX Sports!

Staples reached a major career milestone Friday night, surpassing 2,000 career rushing yards in the Rams’ regular season finale against Tolono (Unity). Despite the Rams’ 55–37 loss, Staples put together another impressive performance with 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Over the course of the 2025 season, Staples carried the ball 109 times for 966 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, while also catching 9 passes for 130 yards and 3 scores. He even found the end zone on special teams with a 76-yard kickoff return touchdown.

As a sophomore in 2024, Staples rushed 121 times for 1,141 yards and 14 touchdowns and added 7 receptions for 153 yards and 2 more TDs.

In just two seasons as a varsity starter, Staples has compiled an outstanding 2,107 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns (tying Marvin Kendricks’ school record for career rushing TDs) on 230 carries, solidifying his place as one of the top playmakers in the South Seven Conference and beyond.

Congratulations to JaShawn Staples, your Josh Finley Country Financial Ram of the Week from WMIX Sports!