Sunday, August 19, 2007

'Peanut' packs wallop for Jackson State Tigers

By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger

Sometimes freshmen say and do some pretty un-informed things. Many times, sophomores aren't a whole lot better.

That's why many of Jackson State's seniors are continually surprised by the attitude and performance of sophomore linebacker Marcus Jamison.

"Sometimes, people are just born with the ability to absorb the college game quickly," senior linebacker Daniel Brooks said. "Marcus is just one of those guys. From his first day on the field last season I didn't have to worry about him. Nobody really did. He was aggressive and mixed in easily."

And after a freshman season that saw Jamison receive substantial playing time, he'll be asked to do even more this season as a starter and leader of the defense.

Last season, Jamison had 19 tackles, including 3 1/2 for a loss, in limited action. He also missed part of the season with an ankle injury.

In addition to his physical ability, Jamison has emerged as one of the vocal leaders of the defense, talking nearly as loudly as he hits on the field.

"It's not often that you can truly say a sophomore is one of your leaders," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "But he is. It's something you can't teach or force upon him. I think he respects the seniors and they respect him for the way he plays the game so hard. By the time he's done at Jackson State, his career could be a special one."

Although Jamison (6 feet 1, 225) has bulked up in the weight room, he still often answers to "Peanut."

The nickname, given to him when he was little by an older brother, is somewhat amusing, considering Jamison is arguably the most feared hitter on the team.

"I've been a hard worker ever since I was playing flag football in grade school," said Jamison, who played in high school at Noxubee County. "That's just part of who I am. I'm still improving - still trying to make this team better. We've got big goals this season and we're trying to get there."

Brooks and Jamison anchor the two middle linebacker positions while the other spot is a bit unsettled.

Jackson State often plays a variation of a 3-4 defense or a 3-3 stack, incorporating hybrid linebacker/defensive back positions into the mix at times.

One of those is senior Willie Williams, who is slotted for the Tiger linebacker position, even though, at 6 feet and 185 pounds, he's built much more like a cornerback.

But that hasn't kept Williams from learning the position.

"Really, it's been fun learning a different spot," Williams said. "Guys like Brooks and Jamison make it real easy to get a handle on things. They're all business on the field and try to pay attention to the details.

Marcus Smith was going to play the Tiger position, but the senior was lost to a broken ankle during the first week of camp and will miss the season.

That leaves coaches to decide between Williams, Ryan Rich, Tim Clark and Malcolm Palmer for the final spot.

"Whoever plays that role will have to do a variety of things well," Comegy said. "It's certainly not an easy spot to play. It's demanding."

No comments: