Getting to Know DeSean Jackson

So by now many of you have heard about how Jackson was a problem in the locker room and didnt really listen to the coaches at Cal. And according to some not well liked by his teammates and coaches. But Jackson has succeeded at every level he's played at, he was a high school All-American, and scored 29 TD's in 3 years at Cal, bottom line the kid has skills, and so far has been a professional at mini-camp and with the media. Yeah that can all change once he tastes some success and all that comes with it, but hopefully that doesnt happen. And I dont think he will, I think Jerry Rice is a good mentor for him and will keep him from morphing into T.O. Jackson has signed with DeBartolo Spots and Etertainment group, if you dont know who DeBartolo is he was the owner of the 49ers during those championship years. What's cool about his company and is the first company that I've heard doing this, is that they have a mentoring program for the young athletes they sign. Some of the mentors include Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Randy Cross. Pretty good guys to help these young athletes get acclimated to the league and its pressures. Jerry said he doenst have a problem with Jacksons size, he says he's been showing him how to use his hands to get off the line against those physical corners. He also thinks its not about being a big WR in the NFL and thinks the trend is going to change towards the smaller speedier and shifty guys. He went on to say that he has no interest in coaching, and is enjoying his 16 year old son grow. Rice said he has full confidence in Jackson and thinks he's mature and needs to have the right people around him to keep him in the right direction. He raves about his route running and the way he catches the ball. To quote Rice "I know what he can do on the football field. I mean, watch out. He is the best route runner I've ever seen. I'm going to be honest with you, he is ready to make plays at the NFL level. He has a lot of work to do, but that's not going to be a problem. He is going to work hard and learn the offense. DeSean is far more advanced than I was at this point in his route running and he has great confidence in his hands. We all know what he can do when he has the ball in his hands. Even in the NFL, when he is out in front of guys, they aren't going to catch him. He is going to bring a whole new dimension to that team, because DeSean can put six points on the board in a hurry." Coming from Rice that says a lot about Jackson and what many feel he can do in his years in the NFL. Of course that remains to be seen, but if he sticks to a great work ethic and working with Rice, I think he will tear up this league. It's one of the best articles I've read from Spads in a long time hope you enjoy it.