Backfield depth supporting Jacksons right ankle injury
Jerry Hoffman“When I first found out about it I was freaking out, but once I realized it is not uncommon I settled down,” he said.
The returning second team All-MAC performer had surgery to insert a screw into the ankle on Wednesday. He is out for three to four weeks.
“The doctors said that if I didn’t get the screw put in I would be out six to eight weeks and it could break again, but if I put the screw in I would be out three to four weeks and it would never break again,” Jackson said.
“I definitely want to be back for the game,” Jackson said.
Both injuries occurred during CMU’s training camp.
“I sprained my ankle when someone stepped on it while I was running,” Jackson said. “I broke my foot cutting — I stepped wrong and it snapped. I think it happened because I was trying to take pressure off from my ankle.”
Injuries are a common occurrence for Jackson, who has never played a full year of football.
“Last year, it was my left arm that was injured. During my senior year of high school, I missed some games because I had knee surgery and my junior year of high school I was coming off from a hernia.
“I am looking at the positives of this: Everything happens for a reason, so hopefully I will come out of rehab stronger than I am now,” Jackson said.
The starting roll has now landed on the shoulders of fellow junior Kenan Lawhorne. Lawhorne rushed for 506 yards on 99 carries last season along with being the team’s second leading receiver, catching 33 passes for 190 yards.
“He is just as good as me; he is faster,” Jackson said. “He could start at any Division I program.”
Backing up Lawhorne will be seniors Robbie Mixon and Alan Parks. Also, red-shirt freshmen Spencer Lewis and Mike Pryce could see playing time.
“That is the nice thing about having depth,” DeBord said.
He said Parks has been running better than ever during the training camp.
At the fullback position for the Chippewas is junior Adam Supianoski. The 6’2”, 235-pounder has only been used as a lead blocker in his time at CMU, never touching the ball.
Jackson, a 2002 Doak Walker candidate, sees Supianoski as more than just a blocker.
“He motivates me. He, along with the offensive line, open great holes that I just have to run through,” Jackson said.
Backing up Supianoski will be freshman Troy Peyerk and sophomore Bryan Lindstrom.
