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Bucs Receiver Jackson Ready For Fresh Start

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 2, 2009

TAMPA - Dexter Jackson wants to put last season behind him, and it is easy to understand why.

Tampa Bay placed lofty expectations on Jackson after selecting him in the second round of the 2008 draft. Jackson was expected to provide "juice" to the Bucs' return game, but he was not fluid on the football field.

Jackson appeared in Tampa Bay's first seven games and struggled, averaging 4.9 yards on punt returns and 23.5 during kickoffs. He eventually lost that job to Clifton Smith, who later made the Pro Bowl, and Jackson was inactive during Tampa Bay's last nine games.

It proved to be a season to forget, and having a short memory is one of Jackson's goals during this week's voluntary minicamp.

"It's not what I expected, but I'm just blessed to be here and just keep working day in and day out to get better," said Jackson, who is undersized at 5-foot-9, 182 pounds. "You learn from your mistakes and you get better.

"Despite everything that came my way, getting deactivated and not playing as much as I wanted to, not coming in and having a perfect rookie season, I learned from it."

Jackson will have to push forward without a security blanket this year.

With Smith firmly entrenched as Tampa Bay's returner, Jackson will only make this year's team as a receiver. Jackson understands if he does not utilize his speed, blocking and pass-catching skills, he will be cut.

Although Jackson struggled last season, Tampa Bay's coaches hope he erases those memories.

"Dexter started off the season bad and got his helmet taken away from him," Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris said. "He came back, and all I've seen him do is work. He's been out here working every day on his own - in the weight room, running by himself, doing everything he can. I'm excited about Dexter. I'm excited about what he can do."

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425.

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