JACKSON RETURNS TO ACTION

Jackson reminds teammates that he’s been here before

GREENSBORO, N.C. – August 9, 2005 – Montray Jackson hasn’t been the same since the last spring. That was the last time he had played on a football field, where he suffered a once career-threatening neck injury. Jackson, who showed flashes of greatness while playing as a reserve outside linebacker during the Aggies MEAC championship run in 2003, was penciled in as a starter and had some great aspirations for the defense.

 However, a freak accident during a tackle, ended with Jackson unable to move. A visit to the doctor revealed that he had a pinched nerve near his spinal cord and was fortunate that he would be able to walk. Hearing those words were not enough for Jackson, a native of Forest City, a small country town located in the football crazy western half of North Carolina.

 “Playing football is what I’ve done nearly all my life, “ he said. “I missed everything about the game last year. I felt bad not being able to contribute, actually helpless. I worked as hard as I could in order to get back on the field. It’s where I belong. Being back there with my teammates in this system really gives me a sense of comfort in what I do best, playing linebacker.”

 An example of what Jackson brings to the defense was on display during today’s afternoon scrimmage. After two passes were completed, Jackson totally disrupted the next four plays, beating his man three times for sacks, and forcing a hurried throw. He would later add another sack and a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. Not bad for about 20 plays of work with the first unit.

 “My goal is to make things happen, whether it is a sack, a deflection, a hurry, or an interception,” Jackson remarked after practice. “Speed on that outside edge creates a mismatch with the offense. We’re fast all over, so when we put pressure on the quarterback, good things happen.”

 Fellow linebacker Chamar Milton, who teamed with Jackson for a sack, is happy to have his old teammate beside him. “Montray brings speed and experience with him. (Defensive coordinator Alonzo) Lee has simplified things for the linebackers, so when you have that kind of speed, you are going to be in a position to make plays.”

 OTHER NOTES

The competition at running back is very strong, with both Brandon Sweeney and Quante Speight having solid days carrying the ball with the first offensive unit. Sweeney broke several tackles on a 15-yard burst off a huge block from preseason second-team All-MEAC guard Chris Gates.   

 Other than a few catches by the young wide receivers, the defense dominated the scrimmage. “We’re better at this point than last year,” said junior linebacker Jhustond Carter. “The defense is pushing the offense to get better. All of the coaching additions have helped us out as well. We have more eyes on us now, and that helps eliminate mistakes. We’ll continue to get better as we get closer to kickoff.”