Login to view embedded media
Sam Jackson has always prided himself on his versatility. A starting tackle who's also moonlighted as a guard, the sixth-year center is adding center to his repertoire this spring.
Jackson isn't expecting to take over
Matt Lee's role but with limited depth and no clear backup at that position, he wants to be ready just in case.
Here's a recap of everything Jackson had to say on Thursday following UCF's second day of spring practice:
How was the second day?
"It feels good to get back out there," Jackson said. "As a guy who's been through it, you know what to expect. The first two days is trying to get acclimated. We'll see where we're at on Saturday."
UCF added an experienced tackle transfer in January,
Ryan Swoboda formerly of Virginia.
"I think he's a good addition to our team," Jackson said. "I think he's gonna have a really good shot of competing for a spot. He's a really athletic dude for how tall he is. He uses his length very well. I'm excited to see what he does. You really find out who a person is once you put pads on. Saturday should be good."
With
Cole Schneider moving on,
Adrian Medley is vying to be next man up at guard.
"Cole is a dude. He was a really good player and he's gonna do really good things in the NFL. Looking forward to seeing him play. As you said, Medley is in this position right now and all the coaches want to see him step up. I think he's done a really good job. He's making the strides he needs to do. He's maturing, realizing the position he's in. He's taking a hold of it. Hopefully he runs away with it."
Asked about other players he'd like to see step, Jackson is rooting for
Paul Rubelt.
"I really like how I see Paul Rubelt playing.. He's making strides. Getting him on the field would be a huge plus for us."
Who are the defensive linemen he clashes with in practice?
"When I'm playing tackle, I see
Josh Celiscar mostly," Jackson said. "He's doing a phenomenal job. He's definitely gotten stronger over the offseason. I can definitely tell that. He's keying in on the little things. And when I'm playing center, by the way I am playing center,
Ricky (Barber),
(Anthony) Montalvo,
Lee Hunter. All great guys. I enjoy seeing good depth of d-linemen because they're good across the board."
Jackson elaborated on learning the center position.
"(Coach Hand) wants me as an emergency center right now. We only have 13 offensive linemen (in spring). To get three groups going, you need guys rotating in. Coach Hand talked to me about it. It will be good for me in the future, just being versatile knowing I can play center if need be."
He's leaning on Matt Lee to help him along.
"When he was younger, I was always helping him out. Now I'm playing a new position and going to him if I have a question, what would he do. He's selfless as he always is. He's just a great leader and a great guy."
What's the biggest goal this season for the offensive line?
"We've just got to be a consistently physical offensive line," Jackson said. "We all talked about it as a unit. When we played Florida, I felt that was our most physical game. We need to carry that across the season. The offense doesn't move without the offensive line. Setting the tone early. Being those guys the team can rely on when needed. That's just something that as a group, it's a goal we want to do."
What differences has he seen in quarterback
Mikey Keene heading into his sophomore season with a lot of starts under his belt?
"He's just comfortable. You see it. Like we said last year, you're 18 and you come in, it's an uncomfortable feeling leading an offense in Division I football. Coming into the spring, you can tell he's comfortable and ready to get back out there and work on what he needs to work on. It's cool to see."
And what's the early outlook for freshman quarterback
Thomas Castellanos?
"He's a playmaker," Jackson said. "He does a really good job. I think his coach will tell you, he's in the playbook and trying to take in as much as he can. When he has the ball in his hands, he makes something happen. It's really good. It's going to push all the quarterbacks to be better. It's going to be a good competition."
Ole Miss transfer
John Rhys Plumlee?
"He's always smiling. He always has that positive energy about him that he brings. It boosts everyone up. Just like the other quarterbacks, he's a guy that's experienced. He's coming in and has that veteran leadership to help out in the room that's full of younger guys. It's everything. I can't say enough about how much of a great attitude he always has."
Jackson has enjoyed getting to know and learning from offensive coordinator
Chip Lindsey, who joined the staff in late December.
"He's an awesome dude. I love Coach Lindsey. I did some recruiting trips with him where we went out when I was hosting. I got to know him. He's a great dude. He's really a down-to-earth kind of guy. Someone anybody can talk to. He has a lot of knowledge of the game. Especially being a previous head coach, he just brings a whole new perspective. You can learn a lot from him."
I asked about the highlight of Thursday's practice. Jackson said somebody made a great catch, but was so locked in he didn't register who it was.
"On the offensive line, everything is right here. Not a lot I'm able to see. I think one of our receivers made a spectacular catch. I can't remember who the number was. Whenever I'm going, I'm like right here and I'm on to the next play."
Last year spring was mostly getting to know the coaching staff and vice versa. What's the overall theme of the second spring under
Gus Malzahn?
"Malzahn told us it's development and competition," Jackson said. "They brought in a lot of guys from the transfer portal and you've got to compete for your position. At the same time, you need to develop every practice. Last year they had to rush through things. You've got to install a new playbook. Now it's all about developing what you need to do. The little things. That's the emphasis they've put on it."
What's Gus like going into year two?
"He's consistent. He's the same guy. He brings the juice every practice. Making sure he's holding us to a high standard. He's demanding the best from you. I like that. He doesn't change. It's good to have a coach you know what to expect every day."