Touted linebacker out to deliver on promise

Princeton Jackson, at times, showed why he was UNLV's highest-rated football recruit last season.

Those times, however, came in flashes, the combination of the transition from junior college football and shuffling among three linebacker positions being a lot to take in.

Jackson is much more comfortable entering his senior season, ready to let loose on his enormous potential.

"If he knows what he's doing, he's unstoppable," defensive coordinator J.D. Williams said. "If not, then he's kind of hesitant. That's where he was the first year. At the end of last season and then in spring, we started seeing leaps and bounds of him learning."

UNLV, which opens the season Aug. 30 against Minnesota at Sam Boyd Stadium, needs Jackson (6 feet, 210 pounds) for his ability and energy.

The Rebels allowed 40.4 points per game last season, their worst mark in 15 years.

Jackson made 39 tackles, including three for loss and two sacks, in limited playing time. He celebrated after big plays, providing emotion on the side of the ball where it is crucial - and had been missing.

Much is expected of Jackson, a junior college All-American in 2010 at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. Rivals.com named him the nation's 27th-best prospect, and Scout.com gave him four stars.

But the jump to the Football Bowl Subdivision was not always easy, and Jackson struggled to even get on the field. Playing each linebacker spot also was demanding.

"I was in the middle blitzing guys from Wisconsin who were 6-8," Jackson said.

He did stand out at times during the season, however, showing in those few plays he could be a difference maker.

Jackson also became more consistent, even winning a starting job in the season finale at Texas Christian.

He is competing with junior Tim Hasson, a Cimarron-Memorial High School product, for the starting job this season at strongside linebacker.

"Now that I'm an outside linebacker, it's kind of a chess game for the opponents," Jackson said. "I could be blitzing, or I could be dropping in coverage. I'm willing to give my all for my team, and I'm putting my heart into the game."

The outside spot is where Jackson, who runs the 40-yard dash in about 4.5 seconds, is most needed.

"We've got to use his speed," Williams said.

This is Jackson's last season to make a big impact and live up to the recruiting billing he received.

"Princeton wanted to be great and be great right now," Williams said. "It's a growing process. I think he started becoming a better player once he started understanding the growing process."

■ NOTES - Freshman safety Kenny Keys was on crutches but walked mostly on his own power after practice. Coach Bobby Hauck said Keys should be fine soon. ... Freshman Connor Afoa, who attended Foothill High, moved from linebacker to fullback.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.