Jackson’s New Look

According to PackersNews.com, Packers running back Brandon Jackson has showed up to offseason practices with a whole new look.  According to this article, Jackson showed up to camp at 220 pounds, up from 212 last year.  Jackson called the added weight "the right kind of weight." The Packers coaching staff has raved about Jackson's response to a rather disappointing rookie season win which he missed time with a shin injury and was disappointing when he did receive playing time.  Since the season ended, Jackson has dedicated himself to the weight room and the playbook.  According to Packers running backs coach Edgar Bennett, Jackson has been "tremendous." Many, including myself, had Jackson forecasted to be a special teams player in 2008.  His name has been dropped into the kick return competition and played well on the punt coverage team in 2007.  The Packers are hoping to emulate the Super Bowl-champion New York Giants, who had a trio of running backs who played during the season, Derrick Ward, Brandon Jacobs, and Ahmad Bradshaw, and then had Jacobs and Bradshaw step up during the postseason.  With the other candidates to back up starting running back Ryan Grant being DeShawn Wynn, Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, Corey White, and Kregg Lumpkin, it is hoped that Jackson can emerge and reach the potential the Packers thought he had when they drafted him in the second round out of Nebraska in 2007. Packers strength and conditioning coach Rock Gullison has ranked Jackson among the top five most improved Packers in 2008.