First year at Michigan helped Huron graduate Jeremy Jackson grow in more ways than one
Michigan sophomore wide receiver Jeremy Jackson -- a former Huron High School standout and the son of Wolverines running backs coach Fred Jackson -- enrolled early at Michigan in the spring of 2010.
By the time fall camp rolled around last season, Jackson felt like he had it all figured out.
Oh, how wrong he was.
Jeremy Jackson's best game in his freshman season at Michigan was against Ohio State. He had two receptions for 31 yards.
AnnArbor.com file photo
In his senior year at Huron, Jackson led all Washtenaw County receivers with 47 catches for 573 yards. In six different games, Jackson had more receptions and yards than he did in nine games of action in his freshman season at Michigan (4 for 55).
Now, a week into his second fall camp, the sophomore wide receiver reflected on how much one year on campus has changed him.
“Playing in games, traveling and all the weight training and offseason programming, it really helped me become a new player,” Jackson said. “It’s been a really good transformation.”
Washtenaw County Wolverines
Jackson is one of seven players currently on Michigan’s roster who played high school football for Washtenaw County teams.
- Al Backey, CB: A 2009 Ypsilanti High School graduate, Backey appeared in 10 games last season after redshirting his freshman year. He played mostly on special teams and recorded one tackle against Indiana.
- Erik Gunderson, OL: A 2009 Milan High School graduate, Gunderson redshirted his freshman season and did not see game action last year.
- Will Heininger, DE: A 2007 Pioneer High School graduate, Heininger redshirted his freshman season and is a three-year letterman. After missing the Wolverines’ first 10 games due to injury last season, Heininger appeared in the final three and made a single tackle in each.
- Ricardo Miller, TE: A 2009 (winter) Pioneer grad, Miller was redshirted last year after only seeing game action against Massachusetts. Miller switched to tight end after being recruited as a wide receiver.
- Jeremy Ross, K: A 2009 (winter) Pioneer grad, Ross was redshirted after not seeing game action as a freshman.
- Dallas Williams, OL: A 2011 Huron grad, the freshman walk-on has yet to report to campus.
Comments
10dz
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 8:33 p.m.
a2roots, that's a little tough on the kid? are you a coach? what do you know about football that qualifies you to make that statement?
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.
My concern would be that it is a little tough to play when you have yet to report....maybe I'm way off base here, though.
Blu-dogg97
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 2:39 p.m.
at 6' 3" 198 lbs ,I believe J.J. will flourish under Hoke & Borges.. don't think he was an "A " typical receiver in the spread offense of the past.. Look for young Jackson to get some balls thrown his way early this season... he's got the size ! TiM & GO BLUE..
A2Boy
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 3:15 a.m.
And the hands!
umgoblue47
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.
we are all judged as individual's first and in this case each player comes together as a TEAM. . . there won't be much to figure out when each player play's up to his potential, stay tuned! good luck jeremy. . . GO BLUE!!
Wolf's Bane
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.
Collectively as a team we achieve. This is why the Chinese, the Japanese, and the Indians are smearing us all over the economic board. We are hung about the individual.
Wolf's Bane
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.
Michigan still did badly. So, now you're celebrating an individual? Is that what it has come to? Please, as long as this TEAM can't figure it out, I'd rather not hear about an individual player!!!
Blu-dogg97
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.
totally agree Cash !! I surmise there is some sparty in that Wookie.. just go away...
Cash
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
And yet....you read it. Fred and his son are fine folks and I think it's an interesting situation, son=player and dad=Big 10 coach. Quite unusual. Thus, the article.
MjC
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 3:37 a.m.
Go River Rats (and Go Blue)!
A2Boy
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 2:57 a.m.
Great to hear about #17! Jeremy, very mature words coming from you and it's great to see you growing into a fine person...always learning and striving to be the best you can. Best wishes for a great season! I hope to celebrate you earning #1 soon...maybe I'll splurge and buy my first Michigan jersey!
treetowncartel
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 2:46 a.m.
Doesn't Jackson's other son coach at Flint Northern?
a2roots
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
Please prove me wrong Dallas, but what I have seen and know of you I am afraid you do not have what it takes to compete at this level.
smokeblwr
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 1:29 a.m.
In general most walk-ons are tackling dummies. Although I would guess most kids who played HS football and qualified academically for UM would love to be a tackling dummy on the team.
DonAZ
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 1:08 a.m.
A nice picture of a young man learning valuable life lessons. This is why I find much to celebrate in Hoke citing his primary objective being to help develop "good men, good husbands and good fathers." Hoke will foster a far greater legacy with that approach than a "win at all costs" approach. A small army of Michigan men fostering that attitude will do far more than any particular Saturday's victory.
Jojo B
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 12:36 a.m.
Is Jeremy Jackson growing or growning? I suppose both are true, but thanks for the laugh.
Jojo B
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 1:17 a.m.
P.S. Thank you for fixing the typo in the title. A copy-editor will help you groan as a writer.