Nebraska Football: CB Lamar Jackson on road to redemption

A new Lamar Jackson is beginning to emerge for Nebraska Football.

A chance to redeem yourself is very important. Just ask Nebraska football cornerback Lamar Jackson. Jackson at one point during the 2018 season was benched because of his undisciplined play and actions. Now, he appears ready to take on a new role as a senior in 2019 and be a much better leader.

In his time on the Husker Sports Network radio show Wednesday, head coach Scott Frost talked about how Jackson is becoming a new player in a very good way. Last season, he was dancing on the sideline during the team’s 42-28 loss to Purdue while a holding penalty was called on him. That annoyed Frost, who replaced him with Eric Lee immediately.

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To make a long story short, Jackson went into Frost’s office and both sides worked it out. Something must have clicked during that meeting that has carried over to the off-season. Now, as a senior, he is undoubtedly going to be looked at as one of the leaders on the defense. To make things even better for Jackson, Frost has seemed to realize that.

"“He’s a guy that’s really taken some things out of last year and by the end of the year was playing at a really high level,” Frost said. “He’s a great team guy now. He’s working hard. Got all the talent in the world. He’s kind of the example of the turnaround in that room. We have a long way to go in the defensive backfield …  But I’m excited about that group going forward.”"

Jackson played in 12 games last season, recording 28 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He certainly looks to improve upon those numbers in the 2019 campaign. According to the most recent depth chart from Ourlads.com, Jackson figures to be one of the top cornerbacks on the roster. Especially if he continues working hard, he should be able to make a big impact in 2019. He certainly has the skill set and ability to be successful.

All throughout the offseason, Frost has talked about how there has been a culture change within the program. Players are beginning to buy in and realize that what Nebraska football has going for them may be special. There is no reason to think otherwise. With a bunch of talent on the roster and several impact players coming into the program, things are really looking up for Nebraska football.

Lamar Jackson would probably attest to that. In fact, he could probably argue that things have never been better.