BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Jerick McKinnon played a lot of key roles for the Georgia Southern Eagles during their 10-win season in 2010

He played more roles than that in Saturday's 31-17 win over Samford.

McKinnon, a true sophomore who rushed for 495 yards and passed for 24 on three completions last season, lined up in four different positions while rushing for 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns Saturday.

"He might have broken a couple more if he kept his feet under him," said GSU coach Jeff Monken, "but he had a great run at the goal line and he played a great game."

McKinnon took snaps at quarterback from both under center and from the shotgun, and even lined up in the gun with an empty backfield on several occasions.

His second and game-clinching score came on an 18-yard scamper when he was playing quarterback as he slipped a pair of tackles and broke loose with a spin move, although he's quick to point out that it was a team effort.

"It was good blocking on the perimeter," said McKinnon about the scoring run, :"and I just followed the blocks and they took me where I needed to go."

He also lined up at wide receiver in the game, and scored his first touchdown as a slotback. he played running back in the slot and in the backfield with quarterback Jaybo Shaw in the game.

Learning all those different positions is easy, right?

"It's all something you pick up playing quarterback," McKinnon said.

Matt Yogus can be reached at (912) 489-9408.