Thursday, August 24, 2000
Michigan transfer sharp
RB Jackson scrimmage star with 103 yards
By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Ray Jackson showed some of the reasons Wednesday why he was a starting running back at Michigan before breaking his ankle two years ago and then transferring to the University of Cincinnati.
Jackson rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries in an intrasquad scrimmage at Nippert Stadium. His longest carry (40 yards) showed speed and some cutting ability.
Ray Jackson breaks through the defense during Wednesday's scrimmage at Nipper Stadium.
(Ernest Coleman photo)
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It was a counter play, and he had to cut just behind the left tackle. He sprang off an excellent block and cut to the outside. He tried to out-run the free safety — his buddy, Gerry Ruff — with the help of a stiff arm. Ruff wrestled him down.
“I should've went ahead and dove in the end zone,” Jackson said.
Running backs DeMarco McCleskey and Charles Spencer also had big days. McCleskey ran 16 times for 66 yards, and Spencer had 82 yards on 22 carries. McCleskey also caught three passes for 42 yards.
Senior quarterback Deontey Kenner, who is expected to be a big producer again this year, was held out of the scrimmage because of left Achilles tendinitis. It was strictly a precautionary measure, UC officials said.
UC's first game is Sept.4 against Army at Nippert Stadium.
Jackson could help give the UC offense a boost this year. He was a highly recruited all-state prep running back from Indianapolis when Michigan landed him. After the broken ankle knocked him out, however, he liked the idea of playing closer to home.
Rick Minter directs his team from the sidelines during the scrimmage.
(Ernest Coleman photo)
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“The coaching staff here really made me feel at home and had a lot to do with me coming here,” Jackson said. “Playing on the scout team last year kept me in shape. I was right in the middle of it, playing against the first-team defense. I was never out of the action. That was important.”
Jackson said he needs to work more on pass protection and crisper cuts behind his linemen.
HOMECOMING: Kelton Lindsay — a terrific running back at Lebanon High (totaled 5,505 yards and scored 512 points in his prep career) who was slated to play defensive back as a sophomore this season at Ohio State — watched UC's scrimmage Wednesday.
He confirmed what was speculated upon two weeks ago: He is transferring to UC. Lindsay will play on the scout team this year and be eligible next season.
“It (UC) is close to home, and the program is on the up-and-up,” he said. “My grandmother can come watch me play now. She saw me play only one game (in high school) — the championship game my senior year.”
He said he didn't want to comment on his time at Ohio State.
“I don't like to talk about that too much,” he said. “I'd like to put it in the past.”
As a freshman at Ohio State, Lindsay switched to defensive back but played only on special teams. He injured his knee playing basketball during winter break. The 6-foot, 180-pounder helped lead Lebanon to a Division II state title as a junior. He was Enquirer Division II player of the year as a senior.
“I just want to come in and contribute, be a piece of the puzzle,” Lindsay said.
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