Jackson sets sights on big 2006
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
by Casey Pearce , Chargers.com
Leading up to last month’s NFL Draft, Vincent Jackson heard the noise but didn’t pay much attention to it. As many prognosticators voiced strong opinions that the Chargers would use a high pick on a wide receiver, Jackson kept working hard and smiling big.
“I have a job here to do and that’s all that I’ve been focused on throughout the offseason,” Jackson said. “I don’t take any of that talk personally. I really didn’t follow it too much. I figured whoever we brought in would make us a better football team. I just went about my business.”
The seven-round selection process came and went without the Bolts taking a wide receiver. Perhaps the draft experts forgot about the big pass catcher that the Chargers took in round two of the 2005 draft.
“I’m comfortable with the group and excited to see what the young guys like Vincent can do for us,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said. “The wide receiver position wasn’t one of focus because I like what we have.”
After a rookie season full of ups and downs on both personal and team levels, Jackson looks to build on what his experiences have taught him and put together a successful sophomore campaign.
“It was a tough year on several accounts,” Jackson said. “It was a huge learning curve for me. The game started to slow down a lot towards the end of the season and I really gathered some things to build on. Throughout the year we had some tough blows. Just seeing how guys handled everything as professionals and would come back and continue to work hard through it all taught me a lot. I’m ready for round two.”
Jackson has been a regular at Chargers Park as an active participant in the team’s offseason conditioning program. He enters year two of his NFL career with a new appreciation for the game and a reenergized passion to be successful.
“I feel a lot more comfortable this year,” Jackson said. “I feel like the coaches have a lot more confidence in me. I’m excited about the offseason coaching sessions, learning more and continuing to develop my game. We’ve got a long time before we hit the field. I feel like there’s still a lot of improvement to be made as a team and individual. I don’t see a limit to what I can accomplish this year.”
Two days a week, Jackson is one of a handful of receivers that voluntarily meet up with quarterbacks Philip Rivers and A.J. Feeley to run routes, catch passes and build camaraderie with the signal callers.
Jackson was on the receiving end of several Rivers passes last fall when the two worked together as members of the scout team. Jackson is hopeful that they can build on the connection they’ve established.
“We had a lot of time together last year and got a feel for each other,” Jackson said. “We had a lot of fun eating up our starting defense in practice. I hope that carries over. He’s going to do a great job. He’s a good leader and a great teammate, especially for a young guy like me. We’re getting some great work in. We’re all working hard to get on the same page and get ready for this fall. This is the time of year when good players become great. That’s what we all want to be.”
Away from the field, Jackson has spent most of his time fixing up the new San Diego home that he recently purchased. He’s also made time to squeeze in several rounds on the golf course.
“My golf game is a lot like football,” Jackson said. “The more I play … the better I feel and better I play.”
With some minor shakeup in the receiving corp, Jackson will have an opportunity to be a significant contributor this fall, which is exactly what he’s aiming for.
“It’s a new year. Everyone is coming in on the same page,” Jackson said. “We’re all competing. Whatever my role ends up being, I feel like I’m going to contribute. Right now I’m taking the steps I need to in order to be the best player that I can be. Everything else will take care of itself.”