Finishing strong

OGDEN — When Lynzell Jackson arrived on the campus of the University of Utah in 2001, the possibilities of football glory seemed endless.

Then Ron McBride, his coach and father figure, was fired following the 2002 season. He struggled in school and on the field during the Urban Meyer era, even to the point he lost his scholarship. His college football career seemed destined to end in disappointment.

Then McBride was hired at Weber State, and the possibilities for the 6- foot-3, 200-pound Jackson seem bigger than ever. Through four games this season, Jackson is the leading receiver for the Wildcats with 18 catches for 272 yards and a touchdown. His biggest game came at Fresno State, when he snagged six passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. The senior helped the 'Cats to their first Big Sky win over Northern Arizona last week. His maturity, leadership and athletic presence on the field have been just what the Weber State receiving corps needed.

"His strength is him," said Henry Lusk, Weber State receivers coach. "He always works hard and plays through pain. He has big hands and long arms. He's the wheel that keeps the truck running smooth. We would be average without him. He only knows one way to play — the right way. He's special."

Lusk said Jackson reminds him of former Ute receiver Kevin Dyson.

"He's tall, thin and not as fast (as Dyson was), but he has the skills to be that good," Lusk said. "As an ex-pro athlete, I think he has a chance to play at the next level. I've been blessed as a coach to have him. He's got it all."

Jackson is one of a handful of players to transfer to Weber State and play their senior season for McBride. Jackson was originally recruited to Utah by McBride in 2001. Given the circumstances he was under at the U., Jackson's decision to join his old coach was not difficult.

"I know how wonderful a person and coach he is," Jackson said. "When he was let go it really took a toll on me as a student-athlete because he's been a father figure to me. Once I heard he was coming to Weber State, I thought it would be better for me to transfer."

Besides being a father figure, McBride has been a football mentor to Jackson, helping him learn the fundamental X's and O's of the game.

Jackson has only been playing football since his junior year of high school in Tempe, Ariz. He was originally an all-state athlete in basketball and track and field, with his name on a few school records. He only went out for football after being coaxed by his coaches. It was his athletic ability that caught McBride's eye.