Going into his senior campaign at Auburn, veteran lineman Alec Jackson is excited for this new season.
An offensive lineman, Jackson began his career at Auburn along the defensive line after coming from Montgomery and Jefferson Davis High, where he was an all-state defender and threw shot put and discus. But football has always been his sport since he started playing at age 4.
Jackson enrolled at Auburn in the summer of 2017 and has been successful on and off the field. A consistent member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll, the physical activity and health major in the College of Education redshirted his freshman season and got his first chance for game action during in 2018 against Alabama State, where he recorded three tackles including a tackle for loss.
At the start of the 2019 season, Jackson transitioned across the line of scrimmage, producing immediately by playing in every game that season at tackle.
"The transition wasn't that hard as I went into high school as a tight end, but my coach asked me at a 7-on-7 camp if I wanted to play defense," Jackson said. "Without hesitation I said yes, but I still really wanted to play tight end, because when I was growing up Philip Lutzenkirchen was my idol when he was at Auburn. I wanted to be like him."
Jackson started the first seven games of the 2020 season at left tackle, but his progress took an unfortunate turn in the Tennessee game in November when he broke his hand.
"I'm feeling way better now, but that time period was weird as it was the first time for me breaking a bone," he said.
Jackson rehabbed and started the Citrus Bowl against Northwestern on New Year's Day. He was an eager participant in spring practice and is ready for full action in the fall.
Jackson wasn't the only one missing from the lineup throughout last season.
"The biggest difference from all these previous seasons was the crowd," he said. "We all know how Jordan-Hare gets; it's always a packed stadium, so not hearing the crowd was just strange, but it also eased up on the pressure from opposing fans when we had to travel to away games.
"This upcoming season I can't wait to see all the fans in the stadium -- and to get Tiger Walk back.
"Tiger Walk is my favorite – a chance to meet and share with all our great fans. We really missed that last year and I'm glad it is coming back this fall."
With the transition of coaching staffs, Jackson is energized about the start of the Coach Bryan Harsin era at Auburn; he especially enjoys how Harsin works out with the football team by running with the offensive line and defensive lines.
"I think it's wonderful," Jackson said. "He brings a whole new play style to the offense -- we were a fast tempo offense before, and now, we are transitioning to a more pro-style of offense where we will slow down the pace of the offense and fully make sure that everyone is on the same page."
Jackson has definite goals for the upcoming season.
"Make a name for myself," he said. "Going into this fall camp with a lot of upcoming competition among the whole O-line and solidifying a spot for myself is the first step, and then once I accomplish that, I want to perform at a high level."
Beyond this season, Jackson says, "I would like to go to the NFL; it has always been a dream for me just hearing my name get called on draft night. I want a chance to experience this feeling, but if it does not happen then I have connections and my education from Auburn to help me get into a job. The Auburn experience and Auburn Family are for real.
"Just not having our fans in the stands was such a huge change for everyone last year and I'm glad it was just temporary. I know we as players enjoy Jordan-Hare, but I think the fans enjoy it even more than we do.
"Anyone who plays against Auburn in that stadium can tell you that it is one of the hardest stadiums to ever play in, and we have the best fan base in college football. The Auburn Family means a lot."
Alec Jackson (right) pass blocks for Bo Nix
Nelson Garris is a student worker in Auburn Athletics media relations