UTC safety D.J. Jackson (21) stands over Samford wide receiver Kentre'vious Williams (3) after a tackle during the Mocs' home win on Sept. 22.To understand how D.J. Jackson has cracked the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga defensive rotation this season, one only has to look to the preseason.
It was then that the 6-foot-1, 185-pound sophomore put in the work to make the coaches find a spot for him. Their desire to get more defensive backs on the field with different looks and assignments paved a way for Jackson to play, and he's performed well for the 4-2 Mocs, who take a 2-2 Southern Conference record into Saturday's 3:30 p.m. game at Western Carolina.
"He's been a guy that really started to perform as a true sophomore this past spring; then he came out and had a great fall camp," UTC defensive coordinator Matt Feeney said. "He's earned himself a role. Early on he split time in a lot of different positions - as outside linebacker, as a safety - but he has really taken on the safety role really well.
"He's a smart kid with high academics that cares about ball. He's a coach's son, and he's been great helping motivate and develop some other guys. He understands how to approach each game, how to approach each practice. Even though he's only a sophomore, that's the type of veteran thought process he has."
Head coach Tom Arth agreed with Feeney's assessment of Jackson's practice habits, noting while watching a recent drill that it's "no wonder he's playing at the level he's playing at, because he's practicing really well."
Jackson slid into the strong safety role after an injury to inside linebacker Tavon Lawson led to Jerrell Lawson moving up to linebacker. Jackson has turned himself into a playmaker, with 21 tackles, two for loss, a sack, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
"I couldn't have planned it better," Jackson said. "I expected a lot of changes: We can do multiple things, because we have a lot of versatile players. There was a lot of opportunity for change, so somewhat I expected it this year."
He was one of a number of true freshmen who played last season for the Mocs. He appeared in 10 games and started at cornerback against both The Citadel and Wofford in 2017.
He's seen those triple-option teams again this season but also has gone against East Tennessee State's balanced attack and Samford's all-out passing scheme. And this week's challenge will be stopping a Western Carolina team that ranks first in the SoCon in points per game and in the top half of the league in all offensive categories.
"All the different tests and challenges we face each and every week, it helps our defense grow stronger being able to play off each other," Jackson said. "It's a great experience to be able to play as many teams as we do and different formations that offenses give us."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3.