Morency’s injury gives rookie Jackson the Green light

By Darrell Laurant  |   Friday, August 24, 2007  |  Comments( 0 )

Green Bay Packers
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Before allowing Ahman Green to leave as a free agent to the Houston Texans, the Green Bay Packers apparently cloned him.

For the way fellow University of Nebraska product Brandon Jackson performed in the Pack's first two preseason games, it's almost as if Green never left.

Besides having their college team in common, both Green and Jackson weigh 210 pounds, with Jackson an inch shorter. Both have the speed to squirt through seams and the strength to run between the tackles. Both ran track (sprints, naturally) in high school and college.

Green came out of Lincoln with considerably more hype, however, having starred for four years as a Cornhusker. Jackson had "underachiever" hung around his neck until 2006, when he broke out with 989 rushing yards, eight touchdowns and 33 receptions.

There was a lot for pro scouts to like in Jackson's junior season. He performed at his best in the marquee Big 12 games, averaging 5.7 yards per carry against Texas and 5.4 against Oklahoma. And then there was the Oklahoma State contest, when he piled up 182 yards on 21 carries.

Jackson also proved his durability, averaging nearly 20 carries a game over the second half of the season. Like Green, he can be used to run down the clock or contribute a big play to a comeback.

A knee injury to 2006 Packer tailback starter Vernand Morency opened the door for Jackson in training camp, and he took full advantage, rushing for 57 yards on 16 carries against Pittsburgh and 54 yards in the first half alone against Seattle.

It was almost like having a healthy Ahman Green out on the field -- or, at least, a very good imitation.
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