Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q & A With RB Antione Jackson
11/10/2004 | 12:00:00 | Football
Nov. 10, 2004
What's it like playing in such a talent-laden backfield?
"I think it's great and fun. We make each other better every day. We're out there competing against each other and we all get along. It's like a little brotherhood."
How much pride do you take in playing special teams?
"I take a lot of pride in special teams. I think everybody has to. It's a way to get on the field."
How difficult was it recovering from a broken leg last year?
"It was pretty difficult but it just inspired me to work harder and try and get back out there with my teammates."
Was the 2002 comeback win against Western Illinois, in which you had 10 tackles, the biggest highlight of your career?
"I think so. It was a turnaround in our whole season, and it gave us an inside look on what the future held and how good we could be."
Has your strong performances off the bench given you confidence you can contribute on offense?
"I already know I fit into the offense since I've been here. I just go out and play hard every day."
After two major injuries, have you trained your body any differently?
"I just run. It wasn't anything different from before. They were just freak injuries and part of the game."
What have you enjoyed most about Saluki football?
"I enjoy playing with my teammates every day. Just coming out, hearing what they've got to say, what's going on in their lives. Just playing hard every snap."
Talk about growing up and playing sports in St. Louis.
"Playing in St. Louis was fun. We've had a lot of good athletes come out of St. Louis; a lot of us don't get a lot of recognition. But it was fun and a lot of competition. I was a big fan of the Rams but I'm kind of a Raiders fan right now."
What do you enjoy doing on your spare time?
"I'm a laid back person. I think all my teammates know it. I like to chill and kick it."
What do you enjoy most about SIU?
"It was pretty tough when I first got here three years ago. Nobody was into Saluki football. I like the fact that there's been a transition, and there's more people into it now than before."
Talk about going to the same high school as Saluki softball standout, Katie Jordan?
"It was fun. We were the top two athletes in the school, and once I found out she was coming here, she's the only person besides me from my high school that came here, it was fun. We had a lot of fun in high school."
What's your favorite sport to play besides football?
"I like to run track. I ran track before I beefed up, got all muscular for football."
What is your idea of a dream car?
"My dream car would probably be an H2."
What's your idea of a perfect day?
"Waking up about 10, making some food, watching TV, not having to go to practice. I'm not gonna even lie."
You're a PE major. What are your career plans?
"I plan on being a personal trainer or a strength or conditioning coach. I hope I can make it to the collegiate level or even the pros. I was thinking about going to grad school to further my degree in exercise science. I probably want to stay around and help Coach Klein because he knows what he's doing. He's a real good strength and conditioning coach."
