Jackson a Good Fit for GB? JS article

[swede]

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=603858

Jackson really does seem to be custom designed for this offense.

I look forward to seeing him play. I just hope he doesn't pull an Eddie Lee.

[MJZiggy]

Green Bay - Brandon Jackson's struggles and eventual triumphs at the University of Nebraska might very well prepare him for a productive career in the NFL.

As Green Bay's recent second-round draft pick at the highly visible running back position, the 5-foot-10, 208-pound Jackson is practically guaranteed a spot on the Packers' roster. But if he wants to play a lot, he'll have to do exactly what he did in college - remain persistent. And earn it.

Nothing was handed to him then and nothing will be now.

Nebraska relied on I-back Cory Ross for three seasons and after his final season in 2005, a crowd formed to replace him. In all, four men were in the running - sophomores Cody Glenn and Marlon Lucky and juniors Kenny Wilson and Jackson.

Coming off shoulder surgery, Jackson began the 2006 season third on the depth chart.

In a blowout against Louisiana Tech, Glenn and Lucky were the featured backs for the Cornhuskers. But a 25-yard touchdown by Jackson caught the attention of coaches, who steadily began to watch his progress and note his overall contributions.

Though Jackson had limited opportunities in the first five games, Nebraska coach Bill Callahan anointed him as the starting I back on Oct. 7 against Iowa State. Jackson responded by rushing for more than 100 yards.

He held on to the starting job for the remainder of the year, gaining 715 yards over the last eight contests as Nebraska claimed the Big 12 Conference title game and went to the Cotton Bowl.

Turning pro a year early, Jackson was chosen in the draft 63rd overall, higher than many scouts predicted he would go. He was the first Nebraska running back drafted since 2001. In fact, he was the first Cornhuskers running back taken on the first day of the draft since Ahman Green was selected by Seattle in the third round in 1998.

Jackson attended the Packers rookie minicamp in Green Bay, and when asked how he earned the starting role at Nebraska, he gave just general answers.

"It was hard work. I earned it. I watched a lot of film and I did my assignments," he said matter-of-factly. "I felt they (Nebraska coaches) always had confidence in me. It was just a matter of time to start."

Nebraska running backs coach Randy Jordan elaborated.

"He started out as our third-down back because we used so many backs," said Jordan. "We had a short-yardage guy, someone else who could catch passes. He could do all of those things. What separated this kid was he protected the passer."

Nebraska uses the West Coast system, just like Green Bay. Nebraska's offensive line uses zone blocking, just like Green Bay. Nebraska expects its running backs to block on passing downs, to pick up the blitz and protect the quarterback, just like Green Bay.

"Nebraska was very focused on blocking," said Jackson. "In our system, our coaches say if you don't block you don't play. Every day we would have blocking drills maybe two times a practice. I'm no stranger to blocking."

Jordan said Jackson became very comfortable running behind the zone blocking scheme as well. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry.

"We try to stretch the play, create lanes for the running back," said Jordan. "Brandon does it very very well. You have, really, a minimal cut, minimal decision; you put your foot on the ground and kind of find a lane.

"(Zone blocking) is really, really good for a back like him who's quick, decisive - he's physical. That's one thing the Packers are really going to be pleased with."

Jordan said Jackson was also very coachable, working on his weaknesses.

"He's not going to be like a lot of players and just work on what he likes," said Jordan. "When he first got here, he didn't like pass protection, but I challenged him. 'If you want to get on the field, pass protect, show me.' He stayed after practice and worked. He watched extra film on linebackers, became a pretty good blocker."

Jackson also had good hands and caught 33 passes for 313 yards, with just a couple of drops all year.

With the Packers, Jackson is in a situation similar to the one in which he found himself in Lincoln. Green is gone to Houston. Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, P.J. Pope, Arliss Beach and fellow rookie draft pick DeShawn Wynn are all vying for the starting running back spot with Jackson.

"It's very similar," Jackson admitted. But that's all he'll say. He won't get caught up in any other names or even admit he has the opportunity here some backs wait a lifetime to get - to be the guy.

"I'm really not paying attention to that right now. I'm just trying to get familiar with the playbook," said Jackson. "You've got to get in to the playbook first before you can get out on the field and run these plays before you even have a chance to start."

[retailguy]

This is the first encouraging thing I've read in months...

[Zool]

The kid seems to have good balance and makes the first guy miss often, at least in the highlight reels.

If the shoulder problems are gone for good, he could be a find. I'm still curious about Beach, but he'll prolly turn out to be Whisper Goodman part deux.

[BallHawk]

Kid looks very promising. I don't think that 1,000 yards is out of the question. His situation is very similar to what Addai's was in Indianapolis.

[BallHawk]

Holy crap, I just checked and realized that Lori Nickel wrote this. I couldn't even tell.

Perhaps she's turning the corner?

[mraynrand]

P.J. Pope is going to be hard to beat come training camp. But seriously, it's interesting how an NFL coach can be a benefit to a player simply by installing an NFL style offense. But you should hear the bitching in Nebraska about Callahan. That's a fan base that's used to just mauling the opposition - what is this West Coast Crap???

Also good to see Lori Nickle elevate her game above the Lifetime/Hallmark channel drivel she's been forced to write in the past.

[Bretsky]

This is the first encouraging thing I've read in months...

WHAT ABOUT THE KICKER

REPORTEDLY ONE OF THE STEALS OF THE DRAFT ???

[Scott Campbell]

We'll never win another game.

[retailguy]

This is the first encouraging thing I've read in months...

WHAT ABOUT THE KICKER

REPORTEDLY ONE OF THE STEALS OF THE DRAFT ???

But, he's a kicker! Yes, that's important. but really?

BTW - Scott, I wasn't being sarcastic. I really was encouraged by this article, as improbable as that may seem...

[MJZiggy]

But, he's a kicker! Yes, that's important. but really?

Yes, really. I believe there were one or two games last year where there were missed field goals in games we lost by 3 points, weren't there?

[BallHawk]

I believe St. Louis was one of those games.

[MadtownPacker]

I believe St. Louis was one of those games.

Ummm, I think that game was lost when #4 got the ball swatted out of his hands. Straight up heartbreaker and really was what costed the playoff spot.

[BallHawk]

I believe St. Louis was one of those games.

Ummm, I think that game was lost when #4 got the ball swatted out of his hands. Straight up heartbreaker and really was what costed the playoff spot.

That game and about 4 others.

[retailguy]

But, he's a kicker! Yes, that's important. but really?

Yes, really. I believe there were one or two games last year where there were missed field goals in games we lost by 3 points, weren't there?

So, kickers EXCITE you?

If all we've got to be EXCITED about is that we drafted a KICKER in the 6th round, then we've got bigger problems, no?

The question was related to EXCITEMENT and kickers... No, I wasn't excited. Am I glad he's here? Sure. Am I excited? No. :P