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Versatile Jackson shows array of talents in many areas
By Anne Larimer Hart, Athletics Media Relations
Because of his versatility on the field, Rashawn Jackson is an interesting enigma for Virginia head football coach Al Groh.
Virginia’s multi-talented starting fullback breaks the mold when it comes to players at his position. He is far from a hulking juggernaut destined to be a lead blocker on most running plays and a spectator on the sidelines when it comes time to pass the ball.
“My job is to block in the run game, pass protect when we throw and sometimes come out of the backfield and catch a few passes,” Jackson said. “But I also play (traditional) halfback at times.”
Noting this adaptability in Jackson, Groh has questioned where to play him. In his first year, Jackson played linebacker, but when the team needed him at fullback, he stepped up and made the switch to the other side of the ball.
“We want him to get the ball more because he does good things with the ball,” Groh said. “But on those plays that require a lead blocker, we need him to do that. That keeps him from getting the ball. He’s a 245-pound guy who should be able to at least be an adequate blocker, but he also is one of the fullback types who can catch the ball and who can run the ball inside. He brings versatility to the position.
“We also had a big staff discussion about him playing inside linebacker. We did see the unique things he brought to the position.”
Regardless of his position, Jackson’s prowess on the field is undisputed, and it seems that, for the time being, he is playing exactly where he should. In 2007, Jackson got a limited number of carries but finished with a strong showing in the Gator Bowl, where he had 14 carries for 52 yards.
Like most players, Jackson started competing in sports at a young age. As a kid, he spent most of his time following around the older neighborhood boys and gleaning whatever basketball tips he could.
“One day a contractor came by my house and was taking pictures of the land next to the house,” Jackson said. “He took a picture of me with a football and gave it to my grandparents and said, This guy’s gonna be special.’”
After this football fairy godfather sparked the interest, Jackson turned his focus to the gridiron and tried out for a local team. Though initially shocked when he made it, football soon became his second love next to his family.
Jackson grew up with his grandparents in New Jersey, and he learned about responsibility from a young age mainly from watching his grandfather.
“I have always looked up to him,” Jackson said. “That’s where my traits come from. He loved to fix cars, fish and be around his family. I remember he would come home from work with these great checks and immediately take out some money and give it to my grandmom. That’s the kind of guy I want to be someone who was willing to sacrifice for his family.”
In addition to family and football, Jackson’s true passion is music. In high school, he and his father ran an entertainment company called Hardway Productions. Together, they DJ’d events all over the area, including the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, a yearly celebration of Puerto Rican culture that takes over the streets of Manhattan.
Music is a key source of inspiration for Jackson. Whether he is pumping up for a game or reflecting on events in the past, listening to his favorite songs keeps him grounded.
“I like to listen to music because I draw back on moments when I wasn’t here playing at UVa, at such a high level of football,” Jackson said. “Some of the music is old, so I remember listening to it when I wasn’t doing something this positive, and I think, I’m in a good situation.’ Music reminds me of my past and of what I want to be in order to prevent myself from taking steps backwards.”
It is clear that Jackson has a strong support system keeping him from taking those steps backwards.
“Most of all, I get my inspiration from the community I grew up in and the people who invested so much time in me becoming the young man I am and getting me here now,” Jackson said. “I reflect back on those things when I’m down or when I’m having doubts about football.”
Looking into the future, Jackson has plans beyond football. Rather than relying on NFL aspirations, he is turning to his interest in economics and keeping all of his options open. As a high school student, one of his mentors gave him a glimpse into the world of Wall Street, which immediately provoked his competitive side.
“One of my coaches at St. Peter’s Prep introduced me to trading and selling,” Jackson said. “I found that really, really interesting the way he interacted with the people at his job. I love the atmosphere because it was really competitive, and I kind of felt like I’d been in that situation before the only difference was that I had been on a football field.
“I remember one day he lost a ton of money, and the next day he made double back, and I said, I like this game.’ What can motivate people more than money? I would be interested in doing that.”
Jackson is pursuing his undergraduate degree in sociology.
“I always want to become a better student,” Jackson said. “Learning never stops, and I feel that you should always push yourself to try to learn more and to learn from people as well as from books.”
In regards to football, he is prepared to work as hard as possible to come back stronger and even more versatile for his senior year.
“I’m going to train as hard as I possibly can,” Jackson said. “I hope to be a better leader on my team and possibly be a captain. I want to shape my life a little better so that my path will be a lot clearer.”
That is an enigma he looks forward to solving.