Sept. 19, 2006

By Rachel Tucker USU Athletic Media Relations Student Writer

Red Hot Chili Peppers, cold water, and a prayer may sound like a meal, but for Aggie quarterback/punter Leon Jackson III, this pregame recipe implies "calming music," a cold shower, and some religious affiliation to concoct athletic success. Returning as the starting quarterback for Utah State University, Jackson's game is not only inspired, but inspiring others!

Raised in a single-parent home on the west side of Los Angeles, Jackson followed friends to Beverley Hills High School where he spent two years using up his one "out of district" permit California state regulation allows. In order to attend Long Beach Polytechnic High School with one of the best athletic programs in the nation, Jackson's father then rented an apartment across the street. Jackson lived there alone while his father continued working in LA. He still tried to attend every game though.

"My dad has a special call for me," Jackson grinned, demonstrating a sort of clicking noise. "It's amazing how out of a thousand people I can hear my dad screaming from the stands, and I'll hear that one call out on the bench to lift me up and keep going!"

Though recognized as "League Most Valuable Player" his senior year in football, Jackson played baseball in high school as well.

" I'm a Yankees fan and baseball is my passion...," he said. "I'd watch a baseball game all the way through when most guys would want to turn the channel. But football is my love. Honestly, I'm a fiery player. But in baseball you've gotta be level-headed and keep your cool. Football allows me to show all my sides and feelings, my whole personality!"

Sought after by several schools across the nation including Washington State and the University of Utah who fully expected him to sign, Jackson decided to play for USU after some earnest prayer.

"This is where I'm supposed to be," he said, "and I love it here. I love the environment and appreciate the teachers. They understand my situation and are willing to work with me. They know I'll do my best and work my tail off!"

Canadian teammate Daryl Wheeler, also a punter, couldn't be more impressed.

"He's a very respectful and down to earth leader," Wheeler said. "He is the right guy to right the ship for the program. He's tough and he's battled through injuries, and is out there earning every yard. He is one of , the most humble guys you'll ever know despite the position he plays. If he's yelled at there's no pointing fingers. He just gets up and takes responsibility for it because he demands so much of himself."

Jackson attributes much of his work ethic and inspiration to a woman who is still alive against the odds.

"My mother is my role model," he said, with whom he'd recently been re-established.

Pamela Jones, originally not expected to live past 20, has been diagnosed with sickle-cell disease. An illness which affects the body's ability to receive oxygen as a result of abnormal blood flow from clumping red blood cells. Now she's 45 and calls after every game to see if he's all right before watching it on television, as she is unable to attend games in Logan due to her condition.

Jackson admits last year's shoulder injury omitting him from the last two contests proved to be a depressing time, feeling "down on being injured, and down on life." A talk with his mother changed perspective for him immensely. Although planning on getting a masters degree in political science, USU's football star isn't focusing on NFL dreams or making any particular plans now.

"I don't try to focus on the future, that's not in my hands," he said. "I focus on today. Wherever I go is where I'm destined to go, but I work as hard as I can that day, then get up and do it again the next. My mother told me to treat each day like it's special, because it really is ... But, anyone would be a fool to stop if he had the opportunity to go to the NFL."