CFL.ca Staff
Watch wide receiver Ernest Jackson on the field and you quickly see the physical attributes that have endeared him to the BC Lions’ coaching staff.
At six-foot-two and 220 pounds he has the size to be a good target and the strength to come down with the ball. He also possesses the burning speed needed to find an open spot on the field and blow past defenders with the ball.
What isn’t apparent about Jackson is the patience and perseverance he has shown during his three years in the CFL. The 28-year-old
from Rochester, N.Y., has bided his time, studied the playbook, and made the most of his opportunities when injuries left the Lions’ receiving corps looking like a hospital emergency room.
“It was just knowing my time would come,” said Jackson, as the Lions (8-7) prepared for Saturday night’s game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-10) at Investors Group Field.
“I tell all the young guys every dog gets his day. When you get that day just take advantage of it. That’s the mindset I kept. It’s going to come.”
Jackson proved to be the top dog in the Lions’ recent 41-3 win against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. With slotback Courtney Taylor gone for the season due to a foot injury and Emmanuel Arceneaux, the team’s leading receiver, sidelined by an ankle problem, Jackson stepped up to make eight catches for 196 yards. He also scored on a 60-yard touchdown catch.
“It was a great feeling,” said Jackson. “It was a career game for me. I definitely enjoyed it.”
In 11 games this year Jackson has 36 catches for 587 yards and two touchdowns. His performance against Ottawa showed his potential, but like an understudy in a hit Broadway production, he had to wait for his chance to shine.
“What he did last game, he was able to do that week one,” said quarterback Kevin Glenn. “It was just getting the opportunity.”
“I think Ernest is one of those guys, he may sometimes get overlooked…because of the talent level we have at receiver. Once guys got injured, guys had to step up. I think he has been one of those guys who stepped up.”
Jackson joined the Lions as a free agent in May 2012. He spent the first five weeks of the season on the practice roster before being
activated for an August game against Toronto. Jackson led the Lions that night with 87 yards on four catches. He finished the year with 27 catches for 347 yards and one touchdown.
Jackson spent most of last year on reserve and played just two games.
Even this year Jackson has bounced on and off the roster but never lost sight of his ultimate goal.
“He never complained,” said Glenn. “When he was off the roster he didn’t complain and say he should be on the roster.
“He just came to practice. Decency wins. When you have a good character guy like that the Lord blesses him with what he did the over night.”
Jackson said the hardest part of not playing is staying mentally sharp.
“You have to make sure you stay on top of your plays,” he said. “You go home and go over the playbook. You ask some of the older guys, you watch them how they run a certain route.”
Joe Paopao, the Lions’ receivers coach, said Jackson’s attitude speaks volume about the player.
“He listens,” said Paopao, a former CFL quarterback and coach. “He pays attention. He knows his assignments.”
“There are some things that he has to work on, like most players. He’s not a natural catcher but for whatever reason he will find a way to catch the ball.”
Speed is one of Jackson’s weapons.
“When he’s in space, one-on-one, he has that size and length you are looking for,” said Paopao. “He has that innate ability to finish plays.”
“When guys are close to him he’s going to make that catch. With all the injuries we’ve had he’s had to step up.”
Depending on how things unfold, the Lions could finish as high as second, meaning a home playoff game, place third or even find themselves in a playoff cross-over game against a team from the East.
Head coach Mike Benevides dismissed any suggestion playing in the East would present the Lions an easier path to the Nov. 30 Grey Cup game in Vancouver.
“Those teams in the East are good football teams,” said Benevides. “For me, my goal is to make sure our team is as good as it can be.”
“To talk about the other stuff, I think is a lot of B.S. Every football team is really good.”