Sept. 01--Coming off a breakout freshman season in which he earned All-Big Ten honorable mention, Northwestern running back Justin Jackson says he will be even better prepared this season.
"I really had to get my body ready for this year," said Jackson, who rushed for 1,187 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. "I don't think I was really ready (as a freshman) for the mental and physical grind of Big Ten football. I don't think any high school player can be.
"I am one year better mentally in the playbook and physically on the field. Our team is ready to get after it."
Coach Pat Fitzgerald also sees a difference in Jackson's preparation entering the Wildcats' opener Saturday against No. 21 Stanford.
"Big difference," Fitzgerald said Tuesday on the Big Ten coaches teleconference. "Going through last season and then most importantly going to the weight room and going through everything that we do from an offseason preparation standpoint. To see the kind of success he had last year with just six weeks of summer school and training camp is pretty impressive."
Fitzgerald is also encouraged by the possibilities NU's depth at running back offers. Warren Long, Auston Anderson and Solomon Vault will help Jackson carry the load.
"We all have our own specialties and we complement each other really well and keep each other fresh," Jackson said. "It's going to be hard for defenses to keep tabs on us because we are different types of runners. It will be interesting."
But Jackson figures to be the offense's main feature.
"He had a great rookie campaign," Fitzgerald said. "I look forward to seeing him take the necessary steps to improve to be even better as a sophomore."
fmitchell@tribpub.com
