Welcome to my world: OU DB Brian Jackson

By Robert Przybylo

Published: September 6, 2008

Jackson, a junior from DeSoto, Texas, was known primarily as a special teams player last season, notching 12 tackles in the position. This season, Jackson has become more comfortable in the secondary and is one of the most improved players on defense.

It's not the easiest thing in the world to play in the secondary. You know sometimes it's just going to be you and the other guy. You're going to be the one responsible. But I like the pressure. You have to have a short memory and just block out the negatives.

We get a bad reputation sometimes. I'm not afraid to get in there. If there's a big fullback coming at you, you just have to man-up and take him on.

I've always been a huge Michael Jordan fan. I've bought so many pairs of his shoes that I've lost count. There are a lot of pairs that I don't even wear. But all of them represent something special. I don't know if there will ever be a time where I won't be a fan of his shoes.

Growing up, I was a running back. I remember when I was little, I scored 50 touchdowns in one season and was MVP of the league. Over time, I've grown more comfortable on defense, but I'll never forget those early days.

I never was too comfortable at defense until my freshman year in high school. I had five interceptions as a freshman. I have to give a lot of the credit to my older brother. He helped me grow and mature. Now it all feels natural out there.

Everything's better this year. I feel more at home now. We've got a great bunch of guys. I think the chemistry is different this year. We all want to put behind us the way last season ended. We're ready for something special.

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