Jackson's Role Continues to Grow
Ameer Eldomiatti, Student Assistant
10/13/2022
For the majority of Minnesota’s first five games of the season, the offense has operated efficiently, moved down the field and scored points.
The remarkable thing about this Gophers offense, which is averaging nearly 40 points per game, is that it has relied on a variety of contributors, especially since leading receiver Chris Autman-Bell suffered a season-ending injury in the third game of the season.
One of the players who has contributed in the absence of Autman-Bell is receiver Daniel Jackson. The third-year standout from Kansas City, Kan., missed the first two games of the season with an injury, but has 11 catches for 178 yards and two touchdowns since returning to the lineup. Both of his scores came at Michigan State and were highlight plays.
“Every time my number gets called on, I try to provide in the best way possible, make the completion, stay consistent, do all the blocking and running routes,” Jackson said.
Although Jackson missed the first two games, he was able to make a quick return to provide needed contributions both in catching passes and in making critical blocks to help spring Minnesota’s running backs.
“I got my feet back in the water a little bit,” Jackson explained. “Just going out there playing carefree, not careless, but carefree because this is a kid’s game. Everyone has the ability to perform, and I just feel that I have to let the plays create themselves and take advantage of them when they are called.”
Quarterback Tanner Morgan agrees with the notion that Jackson has taken advantage of the opportunities presented to him.
“He came back from his injury and got ready to go,” said Morgan. “His understanding of the offense is really high. That’s a credit to him, even being out, he was still learning and being present. He has a phenomenal attitude and does a great job of getting open and making catches. He’s only going to continue to get better and better as the season goes on.”
Jackson explained his mindset for being able to get open and how to create opportunities for himself and help the team move the ball.
“I’ve tried to make that step from last year to this year,” Jackson said. “I was mainly in the slot last year and this year I am mainly outside. It’s a little bit different with the feel of the game and the routes you run. Especially with our offense, we got a bunch of receivers who deserve to play, so just going out there and making the most out of it is the goal.”
Head coach P.J. Fleck, who was a standout receiver at Northern Illinois during his college days, is pleased with Jackson’s progression and on-field performance.
“He’s made probably more progress than most players on this team in in a very short amount of time,” said Fleck. “He’s had some injuries that have kind of hurt him here and there, but I think you’re starting to see the player he can become. He’s got a lot of years left, but he’s a really dynamic player. He’s strong, he’s powerful and he’s really worked on his game. Daniel has been able to handle coaching in a very mature way. We’ve watched him come in here and take coaching and understand it.”
Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca knows that Jackson can perform in games from the way he practices during the week.
“You can see it in practice and you could see it back in training camp,” Ciarrocca said. “He was just more consistent than he was in spring ball. He’s making plays for us and he’s learning from his mistakes and continuing to move forward. I think Daniel has a bright future.”
With all the improvement he has made, Jackson knows there is still room to grow.
“You can always improve,” he said. “I know what I’m good at and I know what I need to get better at. Definitely want to improve on contested catches. I want to strive to get better at that and be able to be depended upon where even if I’m covered you can trust me that I can come down with it.”
