Confident Jackson ready to give Bills' backfield a boost
PITTSFORD, N.Y. — If Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson's NFL rookie year in 2007 was a chance to prove himself, then 2008 was affirmation that he indeed belonged in the NFL.
What is 2009 for Jackson?
"Just continuing to build on a successful career," he said. "I've got a good foundation for myself so I want to go out and still make plays and help this team win. We've still got a long way to get to where we want to be. That's my No. 1 goal — to help this team and get quite a few wins."
Jackson's path to the NFL is unusual. He played at Division III Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, didn't get drafted, starred in the United Indoor Football League and NFL Europe's Rhein Fire before getting a chance with the Bills. And when he wasn't playing in an indoor league or Europe, he worked as a youth counselor.
Former Bills coach Marv Levy, a graduate of Coe College and one-time coach there, helped get Jackson a tryout with the Bills.
"Coach Levy told me to keep doing what I'm doing and get some more film," Jackson said.
Jackson's versatility — he can run, catch and block — earned him a spot on the team and at the end of the 2007 season, he had a 136-yard rushing performance against Miami and a 82-yard rushing, 69-yard receiving performance against Washington in consecutive weeks.
Jackson played in every game last season, again posting a 100-yard rushing game and multiple games with three-plus receptions. He's similar to New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk, a third-down back who does a little of everything.
Marshawn Lynch (47 receptions) and Jackson (37 receptions) combined for more catches than any running back tandem in the league last year.
With Lynch, the starter, suspended for the first three games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Jackson is slated to start.
Even when Lynch returns, Jackson will be involved in the offense, which is expected to be more up-tempo, often using no huddle. Jackson might even line up as a receiver on occasion.
"I get a lot of positive feedback from my coaches and teammates and in turn, that just makes you confident, and you want to go out and make plays for those guys," Jackson said. "I've got an expanding role that again creates confidence."
By Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY
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