Amarri Jackson article - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

[Jebbull]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL I USF BULLS

Stronger Jackson taking on more serious role as leader

BY ALAN DELL

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070321/SPORTS/703210752/1006

CORRESPONDENT

TAMPA -- Going into his final spring football practice as the University of South Florida's most experienced receiver, Amarri Jackson wants to give the program his best.

The former Riverview High quarterback is expected to be role a model and solid senior citizen. Though he is known for his humor, the 6-foot-5, 207-pounder says he will take a more serious role this season as he tries to set an example for the younger guys on the team.

"We have a very talented group of receivers and a lot of them are young. What I am trying to do is take them and myself to another level," Jackson said on Tuesday before the Bulls' first spring practice day.

The 21-year-old comes into camp bigger, stronger and possibly faster. Last year, he played at a little over 190 pounds. His maximum bench press was 245 pounds and he was able to do about seven reps at 225 pounds. This year, he is benching 285 and can do 14 reps at 225 pounds.

Jackson attributes the added strength to the aggressive approach he and his teammates take to weightlifting and the spirit that flourishes in the weight room.

"You can feel the adrenaline in the room among the players and the coaches. It's never quiet in there. Guys are pushing each other to get ceratin weights off the rack," Jackson said.

The Bulls return three of their top four receivers. Jackson leads the trio -- which includes Taurus Johnson and Marcus Edwards -- in yards per catch (15.1 average) last season along with three touchdown receptions. All three are listed as starters on the depth chart, but Jackson said that status doesn't concern him.

"I think all of the jobs on the team are open because we have so many talented people. I am never disappointed in playing time because I am going to make plays, regardless, whenever the ball comes to me," he said.

Jackson is also trying to make life easier for his first cousin, Mike Ford, the heralded 2005 Sarasota High graduate, who has never played collegiate football and enrolled at USF in January.

Their mothers are sisters and Jackson played a role in influencing Ford to come to USF after he had originally signed with Alabama. Now, he wants to make sure the 6-2, 220- pound running back gets on the field.

"We both couldn't play out of high school because of our grades and Mike had it real rough, going to a military school and then junior college," Jackson said. "I talk to him every day about going to class and maintaining his grades and that nothing here is going to be handed to him. We've got a lot of good running backs and all them have grades."

USF head coach Jim Leavitt said Ford would miss all Tuesday practices because of an academic commitment. He goes into spring practice down on the depth chart, but that could change.

"Mike was one of the best players in the country when he was in high school, but he hasn't played in college and we don't know what he can do. We will just have to wait and see."

After last season, Jackson submitted his name to the NFL to get a draft projection. He won't reveal what he was told, but opted to come back for his final year. He has been getting some advice from Chris Hannon, ex-Riverview and University of Tennessee receiver, who is on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad.

"My dream is to play in the NFL, but another dream I have is to get a college degree and I am going to do that," Jackson said.

"It's a relief when you don't have to worry about your grades. The other day, the coaches read off a list of players, who needed to watch their grades and my name wasn't called. It was a great feeling."

Last modified: March 21. 2007 5:51AM

TAMPA -- Going into his final spring football practice as the University of South Florida's most experienced receiver, Amarri Jackson wants to give the program his best.

 

 

[USFan]

What a great guy!

He'll be a captain...

[Matt]

i am anticipating a big year from him.

[JoeB]

Hope so.  He only averaged 2 catches per game this past year.  He needs to at least double that output.  I've said it before, it seems when Amarri makes a big catch, we always win.  

[AndytheBull]

The article does not mention whether or not he is holding his nuts.  ;D

[E.T.]

And I think the addition of Canales coaching the position will help greatly, in MANY ways !

Go BULLS !!!

[crambone]

^^lololol