Jackson thriving in increased role despite Tennessee's struggles

The Vols have struggled to put together a complete game as of late, but that hasn't stopped junior defensive back Theo Jackson from impressing his coaches.

Theo Jackson wants to see more consistency out of Tennessee's defense moving forward. If the Vols want to reach that goal, all they have to do is follow the junior defensive back's example through the opening four games. 

His head coach agrees as well.

Tennessee's second-leading tackler on the season, Jackson has thrived in defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley's system to start the season. 

"Theo works hard every day, he’s a smart guy and he knows what to do, so he puts himself in the right spots," Pruitt said. "He gives himself a chance to have success.He’s a good communicator in the back end and he plays with some toughness."

Those chances have led to Jackson notching 24 tackles and one interception for the Vols as they continue to search for their identity on that side of the ball.

While they allow just under 340 yards per game as a unit, they've repeatedly been gashed for big gains against more prolific offensive units. Just how do they plan to correct that?

By improving their chemistry as a unit and developing stability, which has been sorely lacking for UT on both sides of the ball. 

"Just coming together and playing for one another," Jackson said. "Once we do that, we've been successful but consistency is key and that's why you haven't been seeing the results."

Sep 21, 2019; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Malik Davis (20) runs with the ball as Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) defends during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

As far as how Jackson feels about his individual performance?

Aside from occasional slips and breakdowns in coverage, the Nashville, Tennessee native feels he's done an adequate job to this point, but feels he can be even better going forward. 

"I feel like I've done a decent job, I haven't really done everything the right way," Jackson said. "But I've just been going out there and trying, especially trying to do what the coaches tell me to do."

Despite coming to Tennessee as apart of former coach Butch Jones' final recruiting class, Jackson has transitioned well to Pruitt's system.

After playing a special teams/reserve role as a freshman in 2017, the junior defensive back saw increased playing time during his sophomore campaign last year, ending the 2018 season with 20 total tackles.

He's already surpassed that total in a quarter of the games this year and had a breakout performance during Tennessee's overtime loss to BYU, leading the team with nine tackles. 

Receiving and increased amount of snaps each week, Jackson's growing comfort level has been one of the major keys to his success.

"Just getting the feel for playing more and getting more comfortable," Jackson said. "I've just been reading my keys and knowing who the (opposing) quarterback is and what he likes to do."

The Vols certainly haven't been successful at stopping opposing quarterbacks outside of Chattanooga, but they have shown signs that they are capable of being a ballhawking defense.

Their performance against Chattanooga, albeit against an inferior opponent, was impressive in terms of the number of turnovers Tennessee was able to force. 

Jackson didn't record one of UT's three interceptions during the game, but he was disruptive in the secondary and made life difficult on the Mocs' receivers when he was on the field.

That's not to say that he can't improve, however. 

His ability to command a defense from his position was evident during his senior year at Overton High School when he tallied five interceptions and took home Region 6-A Defensive MVP honors.

To have that prosperity at the collegiate level can be a long process for a former three-star recruit, but Jackson isn't letting the journey nor the timing deter him from becoming the best player he can be. 

"I trust in the coaches and believe in what they're saying," Jackson said. "It's been proven that once you do what they say and do it how they want it done, it's given us success."