Published: November 05, 2009 09:33 pm      

Staying the course

Bryant Jackson making a difference on Tigers’ unheralded offensive line

Bryant Jackson was going to play quarterback for his Pee Wee football team, and instead wound up on the offensive line.

He’ll start at right tackle on Friday night in Corsicana’s must-win game against Cleburne at Tiger Stadium, most likely the final home game for him and his senior teammates.

How did Jackson end up at tackle?

He said he was going to play quarterback as a youth, but found out due to being over the weight limit, he was ineligible to run the ball. So his coach put him on the offensive line and it stuck with him.

“I almost didn’t want to play,” Jackson recalled. “I was real mad so they put me on the line. That’s where it all started.”

The funny thing is Jackson is now an undersized offensive lineman. Listed on the roster at 195 pounds, he has to be one of lightest right tackles in 16-4A and all of North Texas.

It’s obviously working. Jackson, who sometimes slides out to play as a blocking tight end, is always on the field, blocking for a Tigers’ rushing attack that averages 225 yards per game.

Senior Cody Evans is the leading rusher in 16-4A. Sophomore Johnathan Anderson is a breakaway threat who had a 78-yard touchdown run against Waco Midway.

“We have to work hard for the team and do what the coaches tell us to do,” Jackson said. “We have to do it right.

“To break long runs like that, it’s a good feeling.”

What’s the secret to Jackson’s success? He said he knows the position well, and he’s a tough, physical player.

“Coaches tell me, hit them in the mouth and keep hitting them,” Jackson said. “So I do what they say.”

It doesn’t hurt that Jackson is an intelligent player. He is No. 25 in the senior class and plans on attending North Texas University, where he wants to major in business and mathematics.

“He’s a great kid,” Tigers coach Phil Castles said. “A smart kid. He’s a leader on this football team and always works hard in practice.”

That is evidenced by Jackson being a captain again last week against Waxahachie. Being one of the Tigers’ four team captains for the pre-game coin toss is earned by merit.

“It’s really about work ethic and heart,” Jackson said. “That’s what I strive for every day.”