Jackson, a defensive back for the Edmonton Elks, is gearing up for a competitive training camp. Despite starting 16 games as a rookie last season, Jackson welcomes the challenge posed by the team’s additions, including veteran defensive backs Tyrell Ford, Royce , and Kobe Williams.
Jackson believes that competition will drive the team to improve and create a great environment. “That’s the only way to get better,” he said. “That’s how you create a great environment and standard. If you don’t have competition, people get complacent, so I love the competition.”
The Edmonton Elks are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 7-11 season, which saw them miss the CFL playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. To address this, General Manager Ed Hervey made strengthening the team’s defense a top priority. The Elks’ defense struggled last season, ranking last in the league in offensive yards allowed per game and second-last in touchdowns surrendered.
To address these issues, Hervey dipped into free agency to sign several key defensive players. In addition to the veteran defensive backs, the Elks also added defensive linemen Jake Ceresna, Robbie Smith, Jared Brinkman, and Brandon Barlow.
Despite the influx of new talent, Jackson is confident in his abilities. He made 15 starts at halfback and another at safety last season, registering 51 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles. His impressive rookie season earned him recognition as one of the top defensive rookies in the CFL.
Jackson’s journey to the CFL was not a traditional one. He spent the 2023 season with the Frisco Fighters of the Indoor Football League, where he was named the league’s top defensive rookie and a first-team all-star. He then made the transition to the CFL, where he quickly adapted to the larger field and faster pace of the game.
With new head coach Mark Kilam at the helm, Jackson is looking forward to earning his spot and building on his experience from last season. “Everyone has to come
Jackson, a defensive back for the Edmonton Elks, is gearing up for a competitive training camp. Despite starting 16 games as a rookie last season, Jackson welcomes the challenge posed by the team’s offseason additions, including veteran defensive backs Tyrell Ford, Royce Metchie, and Kobe Williams.
Jackson believes that competition will drive the team to improve and create a great environment. “That’s the only way to get better,” he said. “That’s how you create a great environment and standard. If you don’t have competition, people get complacent, so I love the competition.”
The Edmonton Elks are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 7-11 season, which saw them miss the CFL playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. To address this, General Manager Ed Hervey made strengthening the team’s defense a top priority. The Elks’ defense struggled last season, ranking last in the league in offensive yards allowed per game and second-last in touchdowns surrendered.
To address these issues, Hervey dipped into free agency to sign several key defensive players. In addition to the veteran defensive backs, the Elks also added defensive linemen Jake Ceresna, Robbie Smith, Jared Brinkman, and Brandon Barlow.
Despite the influx of new talent, Jackson is confident in his abilities. He made 15 starts at halfback and another at safety last season, registering 51 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles. His impressive rookie season earned him recognition as one of the top defensive rookies in the CFL.
Jackson’s journey to the CFL was not a traditional one. He spent the 2023 season with the Frisco Fighters of the Indoor Football League, where he was named the league’s top defensive rookie and a first-team all-star. He then made the transition to the CFL, where he quickly adapted to the larger field and faster pace of the game.
With new head coach Mark Kilam at the helm, Jackson is looking forward to earning his spot and building on his experience from last season. “Everyone has to come in and earn their spot, earn their keep,” Jackson said. “I feel like I’m definitely better prepared just because I know what to expect.”
As the Edmonton Elks prepare for training camp, Jackson is ready to put in the work and prove himself once again. With his talent, determination, and love of competition, he’s poised to make a big impact in the CFL this season.
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