D'Marco Jackson knows the more he can do, the more value the rookie linebacker has to his new team.
On the field that includes different linebacker positions, coverage schemes and even special teams work. Off the field there's been a lot to learn to, including one of New Orleans' culinary staples.
"I remember when we ate the crawfish out there the people were all open, holding hands, trying to help any way you can, showing us how to eat the crawfish and everything like that," Jackson said this week on SportsTalk with Bobby Hebert Kristian Garic and Mike Detillier.
Listen to the full interview with D'Marco Jackson in the player above. Can't see the embed? Click here.
Jackson went to school at Appalachian State and is a native of South Carolina, neither locale offering much in the way of crawfish treats. Jackson has the right answer after the experience: "It's pretty good."
It was one of the several rookie excursions the team has shuttled its players on, including a trip to Drago's and even a tour of the Caesars Superdome for the first time.
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In between outings, it's been a lot of field and classroom work for the 5th round pick in the most recent draft. He said he's thrived in that work due in large point to excellent teachers, including rock-steady veteran Demario Davis and linebackers coach Michael Hodges.
“Demario man, he’s just the guy. … At practice I’m just listening to him, everything he’s doing. If it’s communication skills, warm-up style," Jackson said. "Growing up you always learn, people just take you under their wing and that’s what’s happening. He’s just a great guy to learn from on and off the field.”
Davis has held down the Saints' middle linebacker spot for the past four seasons seasons, three times landing on All-Pro teams while racking up 445 tackles and 16 sacks over that span. Somehow a Pro Bowl nod has eluded him, however. The Will spot next to the 33-year-old Davis appears to be up for grabs with Pete Werner appearing to have the inside track heading into Year 2.
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With the Saints so often running nickel and dime packages, it's often just two linebackers on the field on a given play. That means Jackson, as well as his linebacker brethren, will make their biggest impact on special teams. It's the part of the game Jackson was already talking about on draft night and one he expects to thrive in.
“I’m looking to help any way I can. ... I’m just always gonna study," Jackson said. "I'm soaking up as many positions as I can, just grabbing everything I can and using it on the field so when camp comes I’m just falling into every role I can, just being versatile.”
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MORE FROM D'MARCO JACKSON
WHY IS FILM STUDY IMPORTANT TO YOU?
“I think that goes into each week how you game plan. You’ve got to know your opponent. You’ve got to know their strengths and weaknesses and just use it against them. Whether to be more patient, like if a guy does a lot more steps to get you off-balance or there's a guy coming to your zone quicker. There’s all different types of way to play different [schemes]. And I feel like, really, it’s just different with each one and you’ve just got to study the game. And just going over the playbook, I mean, that’s been pretty good. Coach [Michael] Hodges, he’s really bringing us along pretty well. Understanding the concepts, understanding the weaknesses, the strength of it. Understand where your help is and all that type of stuff. It’s going pretty well.”
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WHAT HELPS YOU BE AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR?
"[Communication] just comes with just the film study, being able to direct. You feel comfortable in the defense and you know what the guy beside you is doing, you’re able to help him out. But at the same time it helps you play it faster because you know where he’s gonna be at.”
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ON HIS NEW ORLEANS RECEPTION
"The fanbase, supporters they’ve been great. They’ve always been supportive of everything. I got all the messages welcoming me in to the family. I mean, it’s been well and being out in the community and just going different places, somebody might recognize who you are and it’s always a friendly conversation you have."