Jun
Eskimos: Jackson back to return more kicks
Courtesy Edmonton Journal:
Many happy returns.
That’s exactly what Tristan Jackson is looking for, not to mention his special-teams coach, Noel Thorpe.
The Edmonton Eskimos return specialist has looked even faster this year than last, an excellent rookie campaign in which he found the end zone four times off returns.
“I think one of the things for Tristan is he is now a second-year player, versus being a rookie. He’s seeing the holes better than he did last year,” said Thorpe, who is also assistant head coach.
“Last year was an adjustment period for him, getting used to the large field, the wider field and the speed of the game.
“Another year under his belt and he’s that much better.”
Which could be scary for opposing special-teams units.
In 2008, the diminutive five-foot-eight, 185-pound product of Central Arkansas scored three times off punt returns, including a 78-yard gallop against Montreal in the late stages of the Eastern final loss to the Alouettes.
In that game he amassed 151 yards and the touchdown on eight punt returns, and added 91 yards on five kickoff returns. On the season, he totalled 79 punt returns for 809 yards (tops in the CFL) and had 35 kick returns for 839 yards and one major score.
He earned CFL special-teams player of the week honours three times and also recorded a two-touchdown game against the Toronto Argonauts, one off a punt return and the other off an interception.
Jackson has speed to burn and appears even quicker in hitting the holes so far during training camp.
“I’ve toned down, I’m a little leaner in the muscle. I hit the wall a little bit last year and coach has brought in a lot of guys who are going to be good blockers for me this year,” said Jackson, one of the most polite and respectful 23-year-olds you’ll find, who also carries high expectations.
“Yes, sir. I feel like I have to work that much harder this year to meet those expectations. But the guys in front of me (creating the holes) are amazing, even better than they were last year.”
The proof will be in the pudding, which begins to get mixed Wednesday in pre-season play.
“Absolutely,” said Thorpe of the exhibition game against Saskatchewan. “Just like it did last year. The pre-season was a chance to see Tristan’s abilities and they shone through.
“Obviously, we like what Tristan does and brings to the table. It’s not only about the returner, but the 11 guys blocking for him, too,” said Thorpe, who has hammered that message across in camp.
“You have to be able to evaluate not only those 11 guys, because you may not get what you want from those 11 and it may affect the returner.
“But I think we’re ahead of where we were last year. The guys are another year in the system, they know the expectations, understand the scheme and know what we want to accomplish. On Wednesday we’re looking for that.”
Jackson is not alone in his return abilities. The Esks have been looking at rookies Efrom Hill and Jamaica Rector, who both possess good speed and shiftiness. Fred Stamps fits the bill, as does Bradley Robinson.
“We have a lot of depth back there. We have enough guys who are veteran returners as well, like Jason Goss who, in a pinch, can go in a heartbeat,” said Thorpe.
But Jackson is the main man and the only thing that can possibly slow him down is a sophomore jinx.
“I believe that year is going to help me out a lot,” he said, of having a season under his belt. “But the guys in front of me are what will help me out the most.
“Hopefully, I can have a great year. I think I can help this team win and bring that cup back to Edmonton. Hopefully we can do that.”
