Justin Jackson Season 2012

Honors & Awards

• Honorable-Mention All-Big Ten (Coaches, 2012)
• Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll (Fall, 2011; Spring 2012)
• Big 12 Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll (2011)

Senior Justin Jackson had a breakthrough season in 2012, starting each of the first 12 games at center. Jackson was the anchor of an offensive line that helped Nebraska lead the Big Ten in both rushing offense and total offense. Jackson's season was cut short when he suffered an ankle injury in the regular-season finale at Iowa. His outstanding play throughout the season was noticed as he was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten choice by the coaches.

A former walk-on, Jackson was one of five players to be awarded a scholarship before the start of the season. Jackson was an unselfish player, making three switches between the defensive and offensive lines during his career in order to add depth. Jackson made the permanent switch to offense last winter and earned the starting job during fall camp.

Jackson was regarded as one of the hardest working members of the team, and his efforts were rewarded as he was presented the Nebraska Lifter of the Year Award. Jackson was one of seven Husker seniors to play the entire 2012 season as a graduate student after picking up his degree in May.

2012 (Senior)
Jackson emerged as the starting center during fall camp and started all 12 regular-season games before being injured at Iowa. Jackson's play helped pave the way for a rushing attack that saw sophomore I-back Ameer Abdullah rack up 1,137 rushing yards, while quarterback Taylor Martinez added 1,019 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Nebraska gained better than 430 yards in 12 of 14 games and rushed for at least 250 yards eight times in 2012.

2011 (Junior)
Jackson moved back to defense in late October, and played against Northwestern and Iowa. He had an assisted tackle against the Wildcats, and saw significant snaps against Iowa.

2010 (Sophomore)
Jackson appeared in NU's win at Washington, but did not have a tackle.

2009 (Redshirt Freshman)
Jackson appeared in Nebraska wins against Florida Atlantic and Louisiana-Lafayette. He had an assisted tackle against FAU.  

2008 (Redshirt)
Jackson walked on and redshirted his first season, while adding about 15 pounds of muscle.

Before Nebraska (Norris HS)
Jackson turned down offers from several FCS and Division II programs, including South Dakota, UNO and Northwest Missouri State to walk on at Nebraska. Coached by Jeff Reed at Norris High School, Jackson compiled 84 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and six sacks from his nose guard spot as a senior. After earning all-state honors in Class B for his work on the offensive line, Jackson capped his high school career by playing for the South Squad in the 2008 Shrine Bowl. He was also a state tournament qualifier in wrestling.   

Personal
Justin is the son of Jim and Dianne Jackson, and was born on July 2, 1990. He earned his degree in business administration in May, and was named to the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll each of the past two semesters. Jackson is majoring in business administration, and has volunteered his time with team hospital visits.

Jackson's Career Statistics
» Games Played- 17 (2 in 2009; 1 in 2010; 2 in 2011; 12 in 2012)
» Games Started- 12 (all in 2012)