Cory Jackson
Cory Jackson (born March 12, 1988) is a former American football fullback. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Maryland.
Early years edit
Jackson was born in Morgantown, West Virginia to parents Terrence and Melissa Jackson. His father played football and baseball at Yale, and his brother, Todd, played football at West Virginia. Cory Jackson attended University High School, and was a four-year starter on the football team as a linebacker, tailback, and defensive end. As a junior in 2004, he recorded almost 1,000 rushing yards and more than 100 tackles. During his senior year in 2005, Jackson recorded 1,307 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, 161 tackles, two quarterback sacks, one interception, and two fumble recoveries.[1]
As a sophomore, he was named a second-team all-state defensive lineman. As a junior and senior, he was named a first-team all-state player. He was also named the conference player of the year as a senior. ESPN assessed Jackson as the 12th-ranked inside linebacker in the nation. PrepStar named him an All-American. Rivals.com ranked him as the second-best player in West Virginia. He was recruited by Maryland, Stanford, NC State, Iowa, and West Virginia.[1]
College career edit
Jackson attended the University of Maryland where he earned a degree in communications and was a four-year letterman in football. In 2006, true freshman Jackson saw action in all 13 games including three starts. When starting fullback Tim Cesa was injured, Jackson replaced him for the season's final four games. He also played a role on special teams. He rushed four times for 12 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 46 yards.[1]
In 2007, Jackson played in 12 games including eight starts. He recorded five tackles on special teams. He was also integral in allowing tailbacks Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore to rush for a combined total of almost 1,600 yards and 25 touchdowns.[1] After suffering a broken hand, Jackson missed one game.[2]
In 2008, he played in all 13 games including six starts. He recorded five solo tackles, one forced fumble, three carries for four yards, 12 receptions for 106 yards, and one kick return for nine yards.[3] He again was critical in the offensive backfield, opening up holes for running backs such as Da'Rel Scott who rushed for 1,133 yards. Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen said, "[Cory Jackson] might be our MVP and an unsung hero ... He does all the dirty work. When he's playing well, we're playing well. It definitely had an impact on our running game."[2] Defensive end Jeremy Navarre compared Jackson's playing style to that of a defensive player and said, "I don't think fullback Cory would want to go against Cory the linebacker ... He's a tough guy. He always comes out with a bloody nose or something."[4]
In 2009, Jackson saw action in all twelve games as a fullback, including eight starts, and on special teams. Although serving mostly as a blocker, he also compiled three carries for 14 yards and six pass receptions for 46 yards. Pro Football Weekly named Jackson an honorable mention All-American.[5] The CBS Sports-affiliated NFL Draft Scout rated Jackson as the number-two fullback prospect for the 2010 NFL Draft.[6]
Professional career edit
San Diego Chargers edit
Jackson was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2010 NFL Draft on April 27, 2010.[7] He was waived on June 21.[8]
References edit
- ^ a b c d Player Bio: Cory Jackson 2009-01-04 at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland Terrapins football official website, retrieved 12 January 2009.
- ^ a b The impeccable value of Cory Jackson 2012-10-13 at the Wayback Machine, The Washington Times, 9 November 2008, retrieved 12 January 2009.
- ^ 2008 Cumulative Season Statistics October 19, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland Terrapins football official website, retrieved 12 January 2009.
- ^ 'Tough guys' on the Terps, The Baltimore Sun, September 2008.
- ^ All-America team December 25, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Pro Football Weekly, December 22, 2009, retrieved May 7, 2010.
- ^ Cory Jackson - Maryland, FB - 2010 NFL Draft Scout Profile, NFL Draft Scout, retrieved 12 January 2009.
- ^ More Terps Take NFL Shots, The Baltimore Sun, April 27, 2010.
- ^ Acee, Kevin (June 21, 2010). "Release no shock to Chargers' Ellison". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved 2010-06-21.