Running the football in the Jackson Family

By Gus Bode

Terry Jackson’s brother rushes for Wolverines

Maroon blood is the sole substance coursing through the veins of every Saluki football player, with the exception of running back Terry Jackson – his is tinted with just a touch of blue.

It is Michigan blue, to be exact. Jackson, a senior, has a younger brother playing for the Wolverine football program at the University of Michigan.

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Sophomore Jerome Jackson, a running back like his big brother, is playing for the 12th-ranked Division I-A team in the nation. The stadium he runs in can hold more than 100,000 people, yet his biggest fan won’t be found in Michigan Stadium, or even the entire state.

To find Jerome’s most loyal follower, a person would have to travel to Carbondale, the home of the Salukis.

“He’s my favorite football player,” the elder Jackson said. “Watching him play is so exciting.”

The pair attended high school and played football together in Saginaw, Michigan, just three counties away from Ann Arbor and the home of the Wolverines.

Terry was Jerome’s mentor throughout high school and watched as he excelled, rushing for 4,057 yards and 66 touchdowns in his prep career while collecting numerous accolades. Jerome said his older brother deserves all the credit, though.

“Since I’ve been little, I’ve always looked up to him,” Jerome said. “When he picked up the football, so did I. When he started lifting weights, I did too.”

Terry said playing for Michigan was something they both dreamt of, and while he didn’t get the opportunity, he couldn’t be more proud of his brother.

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“I’m glad he made it to that level,” Terry said. “I’m just happy for him.”

For Jerome, Terry was vital in helping him adjust to the differences between high school and college, both on and off the field.

“He’d been through it all already,” Jerome said. “Terry schooled me on the whole college scene.”

Terry received that knowledge while attending and playing for the University of Minnesota. In his 2003 season, Terry rushed for 1,317 yards with six touchdowns. He also became the first Gopher to post back-to-back 200-yard rushing games.

While both Jacksons were in the Big 10 Conference for a brief time, they never got a chance to face off against one another, something Terry is thankful for.

In Jerome’s freshman year at Michigan, he played in nine games and led the team with a 6.4-yard average per rushing attempt. He was one of only six true freshmen to see action on the field. This season, as a sophomore, me made his first start against San Diego State and rushed for a touchdown against Miami.

There doesn’t appear to be much in the way of sibling rivalry between the two. Terry didn’t have to think too long when asked who was the quicker of the two.

“I think he’s younger and his bones are better than mine,” Terry said. “I’d probably say he’s faster.”

Speed is one of the few differences to be found between the two brothers. Terry said they have similar playing styles since they always played football together while growing up.

Aside from swiftness, the only other distinction between the brothers might be how hyped up they are before a game.

Whereas Terry approaches a game with calmness, he said Jerome whips himself into a frenzied state.

“I play with a lot of emotion. I like to get rowdy and talk a bit,” Jerome said. “Terry goes out and gets the job done. He’s more conservative.”

Something Terry, being touted as an NFL prospect, is excited about is competing in the big leagues with, or against, his younger brother. It is a goal they have been reaching for since picking up a football.

“It doesn’t matter if only one of us makes it,” Terry said. “No matter what, we’re brothers and we’ll support each other.”

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