Jackson, Jones To Connect Often In '08

There are several adjectives that can be used to describe Armwood seniors Mywan Jackson and Rob Jones. The three most common adjectives offensive coordinator Chris Taylor uses are athletic, explosive and versatile.

Both players have the type of game-breaking ability coaches salivate for, and the Hawks feel extremely fortunate to have both at their disposal. That's why both Jackson and Jones will be key players in Armwood's new spread offense this season.

Jackson, Armwood's returning starting quarterback, is considered the main piece of the spread puzzle. After all, the Hawks coaching staff chose to change up from their offensive scheme in order to fully take advantage of Jackson's playmaking skills.

"I'm very excited," Jackson said of the changes made this season. "I take it as coach wants me to put the ball in my hands and see what I can do with it, and I'm excited to show everybody what I can do."

Jackson showed a good chunk of what he could do in his first season under center last season. He accounted for more than 2,000 total yards of offense and 19 touchdowns in leading an offense that averaged 27.9 points per game.

He also had a knack for making big plays - some of them Taylor still can't believe.

"I still remember that very first possession against Plant in the playoffs," Taylor recalled. "It was third down and 6 or 7, long enough to where we were looking to throw the ball for a first down. Mywan rolled around out to his right, and the defense shifted over to try and cover the flood route to the right. And Mywan put his foot to the ground and accelerated back underneath the defense that was flowing and ran in for the touchdown. It was like he was just shot out of a cannon."

That's the type of play Hawks coaches think Jackson will continue to make in the new scheme, which will allow him to put his hands on the ball even more frequently than last season. Jackson understands the opportunity before him, but he doesn't feel any added pressure to prove the coaches made the right move.

"I know I've got a good surrounding cast behind me that's going to help me go through everything, so I'm not worried about it at all," Jackson said.

One of those supporting cast members is Jones.

In 2007, Jones had 14 receptions for 184 yards and a TD, and also was a big special teams contributor, averaging 10.9 yards per punt return. He showed tremendous athletic ability in filling in for Jackson for two games.

Jones has focused his time this offseason to becoming a better receiver, and coaches said he's greatly improved his route-running. He's also did his best this summer during 7-on-7 work to build a rapport with Jackson, which coaches have noticed.

"I'm expecting it Jackson to Jones to be our No. 1 passing combination, to be honest," Taylor said.

Jones anticipated that much, which is why he chose to prepare much differently for this season as opposed to last. He believes that preparation will pay dividends in 2008.

"I feel like I'm 10 times better than last year," Jones said. "I've been working hard in the weight room, coming to summer practice and working hard so I can do better than I did last year. I took it a lot more seriously this year."