Big-play fever is spreading on Johnson C. Smith’s defense.

The Golden Bulls have eight interceptions in the last two games – both wins – with free safety Carlo Thomas accounting for seven of them. The other belongs to Jamaal Tutt, whose 21-yard return for a touchdown proved to be the winning margin in Saturday’s 17-10 win against CIAA Southern Division rival Shaw.

“Carlo is having a phenomenal year, but he’s such an athlete, he can see things happening before other people can,” JCSU coach Kermit Blount said. “I’m real happy for Tutt because he works tremendously hard to get where he is and for him to come up with a pick-six, it’s a great feeling for him.”

Tutt’s first interception was the result of Bryce Smith tipping Terrence Shambray’s attempted screen pass in the third quarter. The ball fluttered down to Tutt, who ran untouched for the score and a 17-point Golden Bulls lead.

“It’s just another play,” said Tutt, a sophomore. “My other defensive end, Bryce Smith, tipped the ball up and I saw the ball in the air and caught it. I looked straight into the end zone and kept running.”

Thomas snared three picks to bring his season total to a nation’s-best 10, but his most vital play wasn’t an interception. His hit on Shaw receiver Trevante Long in the end zone on the Bears’ final drive averted a potential game-tying touchdown.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Thomas, a sophomore who picked off four interceptions last week against Fayetteville State. “I can’t believe it right now. It’s coming from hard work. My team is working hard and I’m making big plays and we keep planning on making big plays.”

With Shaw outgaining JCSU 239 yards to 138, the Golden Bulls needed every big play the defense provided. Offensively, JCSU struggled outside of Jordan Lane’s 7-yard scoring pass to Rod Carter in the first quarter and Erik Amaya’s 29-yard field goal in the third.

“It ended up being a defensive battle coming down to the wire at the (Golden Bulls 4) –yard line to end it,” Blount said. “I’m not happy about the way we performed. I’m happy about getting the win, but I’m not happy about our overall performance.”

The results have been better the last couple of weeks because JCSU has been forcing turnovers while the offense has limited mistakes. The Golden Bulls turned the ball over once during that stretch while the defense has thrived on takeaways, including three interception returns for scores.

“I think the rest of the season is going to be really good for us,” Tutt said. “We’re jelling more as a team, we’re coming together. With the wins it’s increasing everybody’s morale, so we’re just looking forward to keep winning.”

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