Now, Jackson is building his relationship with Minter, who was last in Baltimore from 2017-2020 as a defensive assistant coach.
Jackson was part of the interview process to find the new head coach, which he called a “great experience,” that he thanked Bisciotti and General Manager Eric DeCosta for. Jackson also said it was “awesome” that Minter and new Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle visited him in Florida after being hired to get to know each other better.
Jackson said Minter has been the same guy he was during the interview process.
“Man, he’s a cool dude. He’s a cool coach, man,” Jackson said. “He always has a smile on his face. I just told him on the field today, I’m like, ‘Every time I come in the building, you’re always smiling.’ You don’t know what Coach is thinking about; he just has a smile on his face, and that’s great to have.”
Jackson is wired similarly. He brings a consistent, positive energy. He’s easygoing, yet an intense competitor who is driven to win.
“I was intrigued with those guys [Minter and Doyle] during the interviews, just trying to pick their brains, and I felt like they were doing the same thing with me,” Jackson said. “They want to win, and I want to win as well.”
Jackson was picked off once during Wednesday’s practice by Nate Wiggins, but he had a strong day overall. Jackson said he loves Doyle’s new scheme, and he’s enjoying some of the new drills and energy that Minter has brought to practice. Minter said Jackson has “done great” with the transition to a new offense.
“He’s been here a lot, and so it’s not like it’s the first time he’s hearing some of these plays, but it’s the first time to really be able to run him, I think, at some speed with defense out there,” Minter said. “So, every play is a great advantage for him to keep getting better and to keep learning. I think he’s really excited about where we’re headed, what we’re doing, and it’s great to see him out there making the plays that we know he can make.”
Jackson hasn’t always attended OTAs, but he’s at the Under Armour Performance Center this week and has been around the facility a lot this offseason. Jackson attributed that to getting to know the new offensive system – the terminology, the timing, etc.
But it’s clear that Jackson likes the vibes, too.
“I feel like everything is new right now, but it’s cool. The atmosphere is smooth,” Jackson said. “I’m just looking forward to the season now.”
