Jackson is satisfied with hybrid role

Offensive captain has skill, desire to fill needs of Buffs

B.G. Brooks, Rocky Mountain News

Published August 9, 2007 at midnight

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BOULDER - A year ago, he was in the position he'd always wanted to play - quarterback. Now, he meets with the quarterbacks, then, according to the needs of the day's practice itinerary, he might sit in with the tailbacks, receivers or return specialists.

And before Bernard Jackson's hither-and-yon football career at the University of Colorado is complete, he might find himself in a dimly lit defensive meeting room, contemplating O's rather than X's and conjuring up any untapped safety skills.

With reporters knotted around him Wednesday on CU's media day, this is how Jackson described five tumultuous years in Boulder:

"I don't know; it's tough . . . it's been tedious, it's been fun - just a combination and hard to pinpoint. . . . But I'm just living the life right now."

Say this for CU's vagabond offensive captain: He has locked the past in its place and has matured enough to not let hard feelings harden his outlook.

If people can't understand him not being wrought with frustration or bitterness about being yanked this way or that, his reply is, "I don't see why. . . . I don't complain or question anything the coaches tell me or the team."

And if he's not comfortable in and happy with his "slash" role - QB/WR/TB/KR/DB - he's offering an Oscar-worthy charade.

"It's fantastic; I promise, I wouldn't lie," he said. "I'm ecstatic about what we're doing and the direction we're taking. Wherever I'm needed, I'm there. Tailback, kick returner, receiver, I'm there.

"I like it; it takes a lot of pressure off of me . . . it puts me more at ease and lets me relax. So it's a good move. It just gives me an opportunity to showcase my talent and help this team and do great things for this program - and maybe help myself get to the next level."

But the current level is the one Jackson is focused on now. With him starting the majority of the season at quarterback, CU finished 2-10 in 2006 and was at or near the bottom in most NCAA offensive categories.

Don't even think about laying all of that on Jackson, CU's last QB standing when Brian White bailed and James Cox suffered a season-ending hand injury.

The Buffaloes were transitioning to coach Dan Hawkins, and quarterback was but one of the unsettled elements in a disheveled season.

Still, Jackson can't help wondering how things might have been with a full year in Hawkins' system. "We wouldn't have been 2- 10," he said.

"It's something that's in the back of my mind; how it would have been with an extra year (to learn). But I'm not complaining or holding grudges."

Instead, he's doing all he can to eliminate a horrific repeat of 2006. He "can fit in a lot of places, and we need to be creative about giving the ball to him," Hawkins said.

"We want to be smart and not confuse him (with too many positions). On paper, between him and Hugh (Charles, tailback), I would say we want to get it in their hands."

Offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich concurred, noting Jackson will "be a little of everything . . . he's been effective at tailback, he's good at wide receiver. And he'll get special-teams work, too."

And maybe that look in the secondary. Jackson has lobbied defensive coordinator Ron Collins and secondary coach Greg Brown about playing for them.

"You never know," he said. "Coach Brown loved the idea. He's been saying from Day 1, 'If you're not going to use him (on offense), send him to me.' That being said, it's a lot of motivation . . . it motivates me a ton."

After five chaotic years, that he's motivated, not frustrated, speaks volumes about the guy.

ETC.: Helfrich said a starting quarterback will be identified "when it is apparent." He hopes it will be by the Tuesday before game week, "But that's not set in marble." He wants the issue settled by the players and hopes it unfolds like this: "If I'm the left tackle, I'm going, 'Yeah, that's our quarterback.' It's going to percolate through the team." But Hawkins still said an official announcement might not come until the week of the Sept. 1 opener. . . . Nick Nelson, who's dueling with Cody Hawkins for the top spot, is up to 230 pounds and says he has grasped the offense "tons better" than in spring drills. "The coaches are going to have a hard decision," he said. . . . Former CU coach/athletic director Eddie Crowder was presented the 2007 Citation of Honor award by the Football Writers Association of America. He is the first CU coach to receive the award.

brooksb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5466

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