Jackson, Tech: all eyes on Huskers
Junior linebacker, teammates hopes to stop West Coast attack
, buddy@rustonleader.com
09-01-2006
Brannon Jackson is taking the “it’s just another game” approach for Louisiana Tech University’s Saturday duel with Nebraska.Snicker a little if you will, given that the Bulldogs are approaching a 14-point underdog label against the Huskers in some oddsmaking circles.
It’s just that one of the two starters returning from last year’s improved defensive unit believes that he’s played against enough well-known teams in his career that the Huskers shouldn’t be taken as the next coming of an NFL franchise (even if ex-Oakland Raiders’ head coach Bill Callahan now directs the charges in Lincoln).
“I’ve played against Florida, I’ve played against Miami, I’ve played against Tennessee and I’ve played against Auburn,” Jackson says matter-of-factly. “So, honestly, Nebraska is another big team I’ll be playing against while I’m at Tech.”
That certainly doesn’t mean he doesn’t respect them.
The Bulldogs’ starting middle linebacker does.
“They have a great offense with their West Coast style now, so you can expect anything,” he said. “Run, pass, they’ll do a little bit of everything from what we’ve seen on film and we have to be ready for it. We sure can’t be clowning around back there on defense.”
No clowning against the Huskers on Saturday, to be sure.
Not with a Nebraska club that could very well be in the midst of the vintage excitement and success that has come to earmark one of the great programs in college history. This is a Huskers’ club that has made every preseason top 25 national poll and ended its 2005 season with a victory over Michigan in the Alamo Bowl.
“The best thing about playing Saturday, whoever it is, is that we get to hit somebody other than ourselves,” Jackson noted.
“When you’re playing against your own teammates in a scrimmage or practice, you hold off a little. But Saturday, we’ll be going full blast.”
That’s the only mode of travel that the 6-2 and 255-pound junior knows.
Jackson is a sticker from his “Mike” slot.
Of the 54 tackles he made last year, 31 were unassisted. He had two other halts for negative yards, plus recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass.
Most of all, he continued to exhibit the leadership qualities that the coaching staff wants in the former Quad-A all-stater at Lake Charles’ Washington-Marion High.
“My attitude isn’t so much to be a vocal leader, but to lead by action,” Jackson said.
“When I get on the field, I want to be all business. You have to know when to switch it on and off.”
Off the field, the liberal arts major is laid back, friendly and semi-quiet.
Those characteristics belie his tough approach once the uniform goes on.
“The big key this year for our defense is to create some turnovers,” he said.
“We created a good many last year. We need to do the same this year. Hustle and force some turnovers.
That could be big for us.”
Jackson and Tech’s other “D” members have had to adjust to a new defensive coordinator, what with ex-Nebraska guru George Darlington coming on board in that role following the exit of Randy Bates to Northwestern (Ill.) University.
“I like coach Darlington because he’s like one of the players,” said the 21-year-old who was rated as one of the country’s top 20 prep linebackers by ESPN.com during his senior season. “He’s cool and laid back, but he’s also a great teacher and tries to get the most out of everybody’s ability.”
Maybe Darlington’s previous longevity with the then Tom Osborne-guided Nebraska staff can work in Tech’s favor.
“It won’t hurt, will it?” Jackson offered.
“I just know that, once the game begins, it’s up to us on the field. Our mindset has to be to go out and try and get a ‘W’, no matter who we’re playing.”
For one who’s already faced the likes of Miami and Tennessee in his Tech career, Brannon Jackson should know.
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