Michigan State Football's Star Center, Travis Jackson, Glad to Be Back and Healthy
Kodi Kieler is the backup center right now. He’s very athletic, big guy, originally played tackle. He looked really good today. And then Fou’s taken some with the third string, just making sure he can play all that positions, so they’re doing a good job.
Q: What is the big goal of the OL in the spring?
A: You know, we just wanna get team chemistry going. We had a tough season last year. 7-6 is not acceptable around here. It was tough to watch the team go through that and not be able to be a part of it because it’s just such a chemistry thing when you’re working with the guys. We’re just gonna get after it this year. Our goal is the Big 10 championship and that’s what we wanna get back to.
Q: Are you limited at all with the injury or are you 100%?
A: No, I’m 100% at this point. Just going after it. The training staff did a great job, Jeff and Sally. Coach Mannie, Coach Burkhart, Coach Guess and Coach Hoke did a great job rehabbing me and getting me back to full strength. They did a great job, the facility, the people all around here are top notch. So they got me ready to go.
Q: With Fou being worked out at center is the gist of it trying to get to that position?
A: Yeah, it’s tough with Jack Allen out. Jack Allen’s such a talented player, played multiple positions. There actually was no backups for me going into spring, so like I said Kodi Keeler is a freshman who is a really good player. Had surgery so he was out most of the season. But he looked good today. We’re really excited about him.
Q: Didn’t Blake do some work with center?
A: Yup, Blake played center for three games I think, where I got hurt freshman year. He’s another player that can play any position. He’s a strong, athletic guy. He’s a real leader on the line.
Q: Because you guys had so many injuries last year, guys had to fill in. How does that make things for you better coming into this season, as far as guys having to get maybe some time they wouldn’t have gotten without the injuries?
A: Yeah, there’s a lot of guys who can play and we’re really excited about that. And it makes for great competition ya know. I think there’s 7 guys in the room right now that have started in at least one game. So it creates a lot of competition, brings everyone to the highest level.
Q: The first game is still a ways away, but how happy are you to be back out there?
A: It’s just so… When you’re away from the guys and not being able to play with the guys it’s tough. Because you just feel like you’re distanced from it. So it’s just such an honor to come out here and put on the green and white today and be out here with my teammates.
Q: How was the rehab? Was it grueling? How would you describe it?
A: I mean, rehab I think any athlete will tell you that it’s necessary but it isn’t fun. So it’s tough. But like I said our strength staff, our training staff here did a great job with me getting me back to full strength. So I’m ready to go.
Q: Would you talk about Coach Bollman? Obviously he brings some new ideas, some new drills, a lot of new stuff. Give us your assessment of him.
A: Coach Bollman knows the stuff. He came in here, put a different twist on our offense and we’re really excited about that. You can tell he’s very respected by all the coaches here and that creates a respect from all the players very quickly. He came in and asserted himself quickly which was awesome. He’s gonna fit in just fine.
Q: How does it affect you? Because obviously he’s having quite a big influence on you to make Travis Jackson a lot better player. What has he done? What are some of the things he’s talked to you about, watching film? Take us inside those things.
A: He’s changed up our offense a little bit, given the center a little more responsibility with some calls and stuff, and the quarterback. There’s gonna be a lot of communication up front, outside of the huddle, which is a little new for us. And we’re excited about that.
Q: Also though on the communicating, so you’re gonna be more of a quarterback on the offensive line, aren’t you?
A: Yeah, I mean that’s great. Andrew is obviously general back there and is gonna be making the calls. But we’re gonna do a lot of communicating between the quarterback and the offensive line.
Q: How has that changed you as far as having to become even more dedicated to watching film?
A: Oh yeah, we gotta be in there. Especially with the new twist he put on it. You know it kind of brings back a little bit of an edge, a little bit of like a new feeling. So you feel like you gotta be on top of your game for it and we’re excited about that.
Q: What do you think of these new blocking schemes? Do you like them? Are you fired up about them?
A: Oh yes, definitely. They’re just a lot of fun. We’re gonna do a couple of different things up front we’re really excited about.
Q: Like what?
A: It’s just a couple plays using the athleticism of some guys on the interior, get them outside and stuff. I mean you guys will get to see it here soon enough.
Q: What is your assessment of Fou at center? What have you seen from him?
A: Fou is such an athlete and a great player. And the thing that makes him so awesome is he’s a tremendous leader. He gets right in there, it’s like he’s been playing center for 3 years. So we’re excited to see what he can do there. He’s starting at left tackle right now and I think that’s kind of what his position is. But if we need him in there he’ll be able to do it.
Q: Has he joked about taking your job?
A: I’m worried now. No, we’re all in there just competing and having a great time.
Q: Are you back now?
A: Yes, 100%.
Q: You both actually run the Twitter account?
A: Yes, very much so.
Q: Travis, we haven’t talked to you since the day of the injury. But I know you heard from a lot of family and friends and your hometown school and everything. Talk about the emotions of maybe right after, how difficult was it to deal with?
A: I just remember it happening and I was just so mad. Because you just know when an injury is kind of catastrophic or whatever. And then I got a million texts from people back home because it was Ohio State. I grew up 15 minutes from there. The toughest part was kind of when my brother came up into the training room, looking him in the eyes. That was kind of the most emotional part was looking at my family in the eyes after that.
