Jackson of all trades lines up at fullback

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/06/2023 (846 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Damian Jackson had never played offence before.

That didn’t stop the defensive end/long snapper from Las Vegas from putting his hand up when the Blue Bombers were in need of a fullback.

With Konner Burtenshaw on the six-game injured list and Mike Miller not practising, the Bombers have added a new position to Jackson’s arsenal.

The plan was for him to start the year on the practice squad and bring him along slowly, but with Miller scratched at the last minute with a shoulder injury prior to Friday’s Week 1 matchup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Jackson was forced into action.

Heading into the game, Jackson had only been learning fullback for two weeks.

“The first play was a look I had never seen before. So, I looked a little puzzled out there on my first play, for sure. It was just something where I didn’t know what I was supposed to do so I just kind of ran somewhere,” said Jackson with a laugh.

“I was like ‘Oh man, I look like an idiot,’ but after that, it was fine.”

Sometimes you got to fake it till you make it.

The 30-year-old, who spent four years with the Navy SEALS before walking on at the University of Nebraska, is putting in the work, though, as he’s almost always one of the last players off the field after practice. He’s been attached at the hip to running backs coach Jason Hogan.

“Well, quite simply he got himself ready. He took it upon himself to come and see me and spend more time prior to the meetings, up early in my office,” said Hogan.

“Post practice we’d stay and talk about the same things over and over again. Kudos to him for putting all the time in and taking the coaching and appreciating the opportunity that he had, you know, going from the dark side, as we call it, to the offence and taking it all in and enjoying the ride.”

In Hogan’s eyes, Jackson’s pro debut is well deserving of a passing grade.

“We are pleasantly surprised and not surprised at the same time, because to start with, he’s a physical kid. He gets his paws on you and the job is done right then and there but then it’s all about being in the right location at the right time and understanding the scheme of things and making sure that you understand what you’re doing within that scheme,” said Hogan.

“We’re very happy with his work, there’s a lot more to do and a lot more learning, he’s constantly learning but that’s the thing, he’s up for it.”

Bombers sign a pair

The Bombers added a pair of American defenders on Tuesday with CFL experience.

Defensive back Brad Muhammad and defensive tackle Miles Fox have been signed to the club’s practice roster. Defensive back Matt Cole and defensive tackle Caleb Thomas have been released from the PR.

Muhammad, 27, made 16 starts with the Calgary Stampeders in 2022 and had 50 defensive tackles, 10 pass breakups, two picks, one forced fumble, and a tackle for a loss. The Florida International product also played five games with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2021.

Fox, 26, went to Wake Forest before dressing in three games last season with the B.C. Lions.

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @TaylorAllen31