CU's Jackson still finding his way
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BY CURT McKEEVER / Lincoln Journal Star
In the middle of answering a question about how much he’s changed as a quarterback since Nebraska’s Shawn Watson was his position coach at Colorado in 2003, Bernard Jackson suddenly had a question of his own.
“What (position) did I play last year?” he said.
The answer — kick returner, tailback and receiver, along with quarterback — will give you a strong clue about why Jackson has had his share of trying moments while operating the Buffaloes’ offense for the first time.
CU, under first-year coach Dan Hawkins, ranks 117th out of 119 NCAA Division I-A teams in passing, 102nd in total offense and 105th in scoring.
“I just take what (offensive coordinator Mark) Helfrich has instilled in me and am just running with it,” Jackson said.
If the junior from Corona, Calif., wanted to claim he’s still suffering from an identity crisis, people would understand.
After redshirting as a quarterback in 2003, he was switched to receiver and punt returner two weeks into the 2004 season.
Last year, Jackson practiced at both running back and quarterback, but had just three offensive-snap touches and, despite being listed No. 3 at receiver and quarterback, saw no action in CU’s final four games.
But after a solid spring, Jackson entered this season behind James Cox. When Cox struggled in a loss to Division I-AA Montana State, Jackson was handed the reins.
While his ride has been bumpy, Jackson has progressed to the point where he believes Watson, now the tight ends coach at Nebraska, would see him differently than he did in 2003.
Though his legs are still clearly his best asset (he’s averaging 60 yards rushing), Jackson is improving as a passer.
It took him 107 attempts to throw his first touchdown, but in his last 90, he’s had six more TD strikes. Before throwing his first, his pass efficiency rating barely registered at 85.0. Since then, it’s been a more respectable 123.1.
In Colorado’s last game, Jackson threw for two scores and ran for another to lead the Buffs to just their second victory of the season, 33-16 against Iowa State. Jackson’s efforts helped CU score on its first seven possessions and roll up a season-high 463 yards.
“The offensive line gave me protection all day and I was able to make my reads,” Jackson said. “After that, it was just guys making plays.
“Throughout the season, it’s always been a block or a play away from being a big play and getting the momentum on our side. Unfortunately, things haven’t happened our way, but with the offense, the way it is clicking right now, if we carry it over to Nebraska, we will have something to build off of this offseason. I think next year the sky is the limit for this offense.”
Hawkins, whose son Cody is redshirting this season and will challenge Jackson for the starting quarterback spot next year, has similar hopes. For now, though, he’ll have to be content with slow progress.
“One tends to look at the scores and you go, ‘Yeah, it was significantly better,’” Hawkins said of his team’s offensive production against the Cyclones. “In terms of maximizing our opportunities, we have a ways to go.”
That’s the key ingredient in this whole deal. You’re never there and you’re never not there. You are always on the way. That’s the mentality that you sort of need to get to.”
At 2-9, Colorado can take a nothing-to-lose mentality into Friday’s game against the Big 12 North Division-champion Huskers. And if things go as the Buffaloes like, well, maybe Jackson won’t have to face more questions about how he’s changed as a quarterback since Watson tutored him.
“We’re excited about going out and putting up a fight,” Jackson said. “We went down to Georgia and played a fairly sound football game against a fairly sound team (losing 14-13). Everybody knows what we’re capable of. ... We’re going to be ready.”
Reach Curt McKeever at 473-7441 or cmckeever@journalstar.com.
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