Kordell Jackson isn’t standing pat.
The 25-year-old American defensive again began 16 video games as a rookie final season with the Edmonton Elks. However with the franchise’s deep dive into free company — and including an abundance of defensive expertise — the competitors for jobs throughout coaching camp will probably be stiff.
And that’s simply effective with Jackson.
“That’s the one solution to get higher,” he stated. “That’s the way you create an awesome surroundings and commonplace.
“In the event you don’t have competitors, folks get complacent, so I really like the competitors. I really like that it’s going to make the workforce higher. All of these are positives, I don’t take a look at competitors as a adverse.”
Edmonton (7-11) completed fourth within the West Division final yr, lacking the CFL playoffs for a fourth straight season. One low season precedence for GM Ed Hervey was strengthening an Elks’ defence that was final general in offensive yards (394.6 yards) and passing yards (313.4) allowed per recreation and second-last general in touchdowns surrendered (54).
So Hervey dipped into free company to signal defensive linemen Jake Ceresna, Robbie Smith, Jared Brinkman and Brandon Barlow. He additionally added veteran defensive backs Tyrell Ford, Royce Metchie and Kobe Williams.
The five-foot-10, 189-pound Jackson made 15 begins at halfback and one other at security with Edmonton. He registered 51 tackles, 4 interceptions and two pressured fumbles as a rookie after spending 2023 with the Frisco Fighters of the Indoor Soccer League.
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Gamers will report back to Edmonton’s camp with clear slates, as this marks Mark Kilam’s first season as a CFL head coach.
Nonetheless, Jackson is amongst a bunch of Elks who could have performed underneath three coaches in lower than a yr. Head coach/GM Chris Jones started the 2024 season, however was fired on July fifteenth after an 0-5 begin, and changed by interim head coach Jarious Jackson, who was then succeeded by Kilam within the offseason.
“Everybody has to return in and earn their spot, earn their hold,” Jackson stated. “I really feel like I’m undoubtedly higher ready simply because I do know what to anticipate.
“I do know the sport velocity, I do know what I have to work on from what occurred final yr. I undoubtedly really feel extra acclimated this yr.”
Jackson was the Indoor Soccer League’s prime defensive rookie and a first-team all-star. However upon becoming a member of the Elks, he went from enjoying on soccer’s smallest subject to its longest and widest.
Nonetheless, the previous Austin Peay State College star’s 12 pressured incompletions have been tops amongst CFL rookies and he completed second in interceptions. Jackson was twice a consensus All-American (2019-20) in school and a three-time first-team Ohio Valley Convention all-star (2019-21).
“It (Canadian soccer) was undoubtedly completely different,” Jackson stated. “The most important factor for me was the scale of the sphere (110 yards by 65 yards) and finish zones (20 yards).
“There was excessive movement within the IFL so I used to be used to that and having extra passing (in CFL) was good for me as a result of I like to cowl anyway. I simply needed to be higher conditioned due to the scale of the sphere and … there’s actually no finish zone as a result of it’s nonetheless open subject the place you may get a 20-yard route.”
Jackson’s major objective this season helps Edmonton earn its first Gray Cup title since 2015, however he does have excessive private expectations. He needs to steer the CFL in interceptions, be a division and league all-star, and finally be the league’s prime defensive participant. He additionally goals to at some point safe a greater alternative south of the border.
“It’s essential to set your targets excessive,” he stated. “It retains you grounded as a result of these excessive targets proceed that can assist you develop and to not develop into complacent.
“That (NFL) is all the time the top objective however I actually do love the CFL.”
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