Action Jackson: Jovan Jackson, Sioux Falls Storm

by Kolbe Nelson
June 27, 2011 10:54 PM


Jovan Jackson, our Taco John's Athlete of the Week, didn't start out this season looking like the lynch pin to the Storm's stifling defense, but that's what he's turned out to be.

"He's played tremendous," Storm Head Coach Kurtiss Riggs said, "And he didn't even start right away at the beginning of the year, he just worked his way up to earn that starting job and he's probably been our most solid guy consistently, game in and game out."

Jackson had eight interceptions for Sioux Falls during the regular season and racked up 99 tackles, third most for the team. Those strong statistics can be attributed to a change in his style of play.

"He's playing a little bit more physical this year and he's coming up and hitting a little more than I've seen him in the past and he's definitely picking the ball off which is grea," Storm Quarterback Chris Dixon said.

But aside from the stats, Jackson's major strong point may be in how he carries himself, leading by example and laboring to become a better player.

"He's a good guy," Storm Defensive Lineman Tyrone Saterfield said, "He comes in and works hard from day one, that's what he came here to do. He has tremendous athletic ability and he just likes to have everybody ready and fired up during the game."

And he's fine with that roll.

"It feels good," Jackson said, "It's mainly because our coaches, they press hard to get us better every week and I come every week to get better and it shows on the field."

Follow KDLT Weekend Sports Anchor Kolbe Nelson on Twitter at @KolbeNelson