Mark Saxon of the OC Register has a great article on Lawrence Jackson and his quest to be the Defensive Lineman in the country. Jackson is an articulate, well-spoken individual and his confidence in his skills should really start to come through.
Jackson
Photo: Joel Zink | Daily Trojan
That's been the theme for the 265-pound redshirt junior. Jackson missed three weeks of training camp recovering from a hip-flexor injury.
Defensive coordinator Nick Holt said Jackson's performance in the Arkansas game - two tackles, none for a loss - was affected by a lack of conditioning after missing camp.
Saturday's game could be Jackson's first chance to flash the skills that have made him an All-America candidate.
Holt said Jackson has looked particularly menacing in the last 10 days of practice.
"It's really exciting," Holt said. "He's ready to go play up to his capabilities."
Jackson is motivated to succeed and he will not settle for mediocrity. He is really steepping up to a great leader on the defense and we will need it. With Pinkard out for the season and Ellis missing a few games due to knee surgery his presence will a valuable asset for the younger guys when we go up against Nebraska this Saturday.