reported in LJS today
Jackson leaves Huskers
BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Thursday, Aug 10, 2006 - 12:46:27 pm CDT
Leon Jackson’s rather tumultuous stay at Nebraska ended Thursday morning. The sophomore running back informed Husker coach Bill Callahan that he was leaving the team and hopes to play for another Division I-A program, Leon Jackson Sr. said.
Jackson Sr. said it was an amicable parting — one initiated by the player.
“They just came to a mutual agreement,” Jackson Sr. said. “There were no hard feelings. Coach Callahan expressed that he didn’t want to see Leon go, but that he wanted what was best for him.”
Jackson, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound native of Pasco, Wash., will look at several schools, but Oregon State and Oregon top his list, Jackson Sr. said.
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The younger Jackson was in a battle for playing time with junior Brandon Jackson, junior college transfer Kenny Wilson, and sophomores Cody Glenn and Marlon Lucky.
“It just wasn’t working out,” Jackson Sr. said. “Rather than stay there and be frustrated, he just wanted to go somewhere else. He wanted to thank Nebraska’s fans for all of their support.”
Jackson had left the team on his own accord this past April, but later felt he made a mistake and on May 2 was reinstated to the squad with Callahan’s blessing.
Jackson’s grades are in good shape, Jackson Sr. said.
“He stayed there all summer and worked on them,” the elder Jackson said. “He just felt like, football-wise, he didn’t fit the scheme of what they’re trying to do.”
In the April 15 Red-White Game, Jackson carried 12 times for 52 yards while seeing action for both teams.
Last season, he had trouble finding a stable position, starting out at running back, moving to safety, then to wide receiver. He moved back to running back in the spring.
Jackson will try to enroll at another school in time for the fall semester, Jackson Sr. said. He will have to sit out of games this season, but can continue to practice.
