Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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It was a huge, huge blessing that came about and allowed me to stay close to her." Last year, Jackson served as the head coach of his alma mater, Buena Vista High School in Saginaw. Due to budget cuts, the school closed in the spring and left Jackson searching for his next opportunity. "It was tough," said Jackson, whose play at the school ultimately earned him the scholarship offer from Notre Dame. "That was terrible how and why it closed because of financial decisions. … I just felt like our district let the students down and didn't care like they used to when I was in school. The majority really didn't care and cared more for the paycheck than anything. It's sad." With Northwood's practices set to begin in three weeks, Jackson found time to return to campus for the Michigan State game and meet with his former coach at Notre Dame, Mike Brey, who had spoken with Rekeweg about Jackson's candidacy while Northwood conducted the search for an assistant coach. "I talk to Coach Brey more than anybody," said Jackson, who is now trying to implement his former coach's tactics into his own coaching style and eventually wants to end up at Notre Dame. "He was a great mentor. I have my biological dad and then my father away from home, and Coach Brey was that. He taught me so much, and I just have the utmost respect for that guy. … He made a promise when he came to my house. He guaranteed to my mom and my dad that I would gradu- ate, and they appreciated that. Coming from a huge family, that's a big deal to finish school right away." At the age of 25, Jackson said he relates well to the Northwood players and often jumps in on practice drills to demonstrate what he is teaching. "Being young I still have an advantage," he noted. "Not only can I show those guys through film and watch them go through things, but I can go out there and show them I can get out and defend. "I can show them what decisions to make and actually get out there and go through it with those guys and pick their brains. It's an advantage for me to get in the door at the age of 25. It's a little weird not playing, but I enjoy it. I definitely enjoy coaching." Jackson is a familiar face around the Saginaw area after starring at Buena Vista and remaining involved in the community. Between his name recognition and his knowledge of the local high school sports scene, the transition to coaching at Northwood has been seamless. "I know some of the guys from my hometown, and a lot of the guys know me from playing at Notre Dame," he said. "It's actually been working out well in the limited time so far." Although Jackson will certainly be busy juggling his new job while raising a baby, he'll still have one eye on the Irish during their maiden voyage in the Atlantic Coast Conference. "This team will love the ACC," he said. "Obviously they have a lot of Washington, D.C., ties [with senior guards Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant]. They have those East Coast ties, and