They didn’t want to coach the Senior Bowl, a sign their season went awry. But doing so helped convince them Tanard Jackson could move to safety. And that move transformed the Tampa Bay secondary.
Jackson, a Silver Spring native who played at Bullis, has started every game this season. From what coaches and teammates say, he’ll be a longtime fixture.
“He really has a knack for finding plays,” Bucs corner Ronde Barber said. “I’ve never been around a guy like that. I know there are guys in the league like Ed Reed that just find the ball. But we never had that kind of guy here and he’s showing up in that regard for us big-time every week.”
Jackson played corner at Syracuse, but at 6-foot, 225 pounds he also has good size for a safety. Because of his hitting ability, he’s a good fit in Tampa’s Cover-2 defense.
Jackson, a fourth-round pick, already has defended 11 passes, including five in a win over Arizona. He’s intercepted two passes and forced a fumble.
“He’s made a huge difference,” Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. “He earned the job quickly and decisively. He impressed us [at the Senior Bowl] with his range and playmaking ability. We were happy to see him there when we picked.”
