A College Football Dynasty: The Bruce Jackson Story - hossafan91's Blog

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A College Football Dynasty: The Bruce Jackson Story

Posted on June 8, 2013 at 05:39 PM.

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Hello, My name is Bruce Jackson. After many years of coaching high school football players in my home city of Lake Oswego, OR I finally have the opportunity to coach at the Collegiate level. This is my story.

Before we begin, a little background information about me. Coming out of Lake Oswego High School I was considered a 2* HB Recruit. I played well in high school and was third in the state in both rushing yards and TDs. While I didn't have big name colleges sending me countless letter to come and play for them, I was recruited. I eventually had a tough decision between going to the local Portland State University and playing 1-AA (yes, this was before FBS/FCS) or leaving Oregon and playing at the 1-A level for New Mexico. While I never did get to start a game at UNM, I did play some games and even scored a touchdown in my junior year on a 28 yard carry. After college, knowing that my chances at playing professionally were slim, I returned home and become the Offensive Coordinator at my old high school. I eventually became the head coach at LOHS and managed to help the Lakers turn around 4 straight losing seasons into 5 straight state playoff appearances (Including a game in the State Championship). My skills as a coach have been proven at the high school level, and now I have a great opportunity to become an Offensive Coordinator in the FBS.

Comments

# 16 hossafan91 @ Jun 9

UNLV Rebels Recruiting - 2012
NAME	POS	CLASS	HOMETOWN	HT	WT	CALIBER
Antonio Smith	CB	HS	Los Angeles, CA	5'9	160
Douglas Kendrick	CB	HS	Central Heights, AZ	5'10	173
Terrance Hall	WR	HS	McMinnville, OR	6'2	231
Casey Schultz	G	HS	Lovelock, NV	6'5	283
Scott Clark	T	HS	Boulder City, NV	6'8	320
Daniel Fisher	WR	HS	Nampa, ID	6'2	212
Warren Miller	OLB	HS	Colstrip, MT	6'2	229
Daniel Schultz	FB	HS	Farfield, CA	6'1	244
Josh Turner	DT	HS	Los Angeles, CA	6'3	292
Brad West	OLB	HS	Sun Lakes, AZ	6'0	212
Nate Lester	P	HS	Phoenix, AZ	6'0	209
Eric Flores	K	HS	Casa de Oro, CA	5'11	224
Jonathan Wilson	SS	HS	Roseberg, OR	5'11	193
Brad Washington	HB	HS	Yakima, WA	5'9	205
Chase Warren	WR	HS	Henderson, NV	6'5	235
Travis Smith	DT	HS	Fallon, NV	6'4	270
Eric Gorman	T	HS	Four Corners, OR	6'7	313
J.P. Harris	QB	HS	Corona, CA	6'4	226
Antoine Spencer	OLB	HS	Payson, UT	6'0	206
Tre Jackson	MLB	HS	Troutdale, OR	6'1	232
Aaron Lee	MLB	HS	Tukwila, WA	6'2	226
Drew Johnson	SS	HS	Gardnerville Ranch, NV	6'3	208
Eric Brewer	WR	HS	Redondo Beach, CA	5'11	166
David Wilson	WR	HS	Paradise, NV	6'2	184
Cory Hickman	QB	HS	Richmond, CA	6'3	219

# 17 hossafan91 @ Jun 9

Season Outlook:

My outlook for my first season as a Offensive Coordinator at UNLV was very optimistic. I believed that we had all of the parts to have a decent season. While Freshman QB Nick Sherry would need to have a solid year in order for us to do all that I wanted. Junior HB, Tim Cornett, would be a key part to the offensive game and (If I had anything to say about it) could possibly end with a place in the All-MWC when the season was over.

After careful look at our schedule, I believed that we could end up with a 7-5 record at the end of the season and possibly play in a bowl game.

# 18 hossafan91 @ Jun 9

Game 1:

Matchup Preview | August 30, 2012

Minnesota Golden Gophers
(, Away)

UNLV Rebels
(, Home)

Game Notes
First Game of the season for both teams.

# 19 hossafan91 @ Jun 9

Here we were, mere moments before my first ever game as a college coordinator. It was hard to believe that I was actually here. I had a lot of preparation for this moment, and now it is finally here. UNLV, dressed in our Silver helmet, Red jerseys, and Grey Pants; facing off against Minnesota in their Maroon, White, and Gold. I was eager to run onto the field.

# 20 hossafan91 @ Jun 9

UNLV loses heart breaker to start season. In what might be one of the best games of the whole year, UNLV and Minnesota battled it out in week one of the college football season. The game looked like it could go either way, with each team leading at some point during the 4th quarter. UNLV kicked a game tying field goal to send the game to overtime. It was there that again the two sides were even and had to go to a 3rd OT to decide this one. In the end, on 2nd and 3, UNLV quarterback, Nick Sherry (23-31 279 yrds 4 TDs 1 int) threw his lone interception of the game. Since the Gophers had already scored a field goal earlier in the OT, Minnesota won the game. UNLV's offensive coordinator had this to say after the game "While I was disappointing with the ending, I am still very proud of our guys today. Nick [Sherry] played a great game and completed over 70% of his passes. I was also really happy with the way the Tim [Cornett] bounced back after his fumble caused a scoop and score in the 2nd quarter. he ended up with over 200 yards on the ground."

Minnesota Golden Gophers at UNLV Rebels
Aug 30, 2012	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	OT	SCORE
Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-0)	7	7	0	15	17	46
UNLV Rebels (0-0)	0	17	3	9	14	43

Minnesota Golden Gophers

UNLV Rebels

# 21 hossafan91 @ Jun 9

Recruiting Log 1:

It is the Thursday night before Week 2 of the college football season and rather than preparing to face off against an opponent tomorrow, I am watching a high school football practice at Richmond High School in California. It is funny to think that at this time last year I would be leading one of these practices; now I am here on a recruiting mission. Despite being a 1* recruit, Cory Hickman has gotten a lot of attention while at Richmond. He helped lead his team to the State Playoffs last year, and if he has a good season is on pace to break multiple records at Richmond. Luckily, we were one of the first to contact Cory about playing FBS football. If I had to describe Cory's game as a quarterback, it would be someone who does everything well. He could run, pass, and do everything. He had no key strengths as a QB, but also no weaknesses. When I approached Cory about the possibility of playing for UNLV he looked ecstatic. He told me that he didn't want to commit right away and had to talk with his parents to try and decide what was best for him. Still, after a 10 minute discussion, it was clear that Cory wanted to opportunity to compete for a starting role, and wanted to be close(ish) to home. It was easy for me to tell him that UNLV could offer him both.

On m return trip to Las Vegas, I honestly believed that if we could sign this kid, it would be a great start to our recruiting class. Despite being a 1*, Cory had all of the skill that a college QB needed. All he needed was someone to work with him and help him improve to his potential.

# 22 hossafan91 @ Jun 9

Game 2 of my college coaching career. I felt that we should have won last week, but today was a new day. We had to face off against Washington State.

Matchup Preview \| September 18, 2012
	@
Washington State Cougars (1-1, 0-1 Away)		UNLV Rebels (0-1, 0-1 Home)

# 23 hossafan91 @ Jun 9

Game 2:

Washington State Cougars at UNLV Rebels
Aug 30, 2012	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Washington State Cougars (1-1)	0	0	3	7	10
UNLV Rebels (0-1)	3	7	0	3	13

Washington State Cougars

UNLV Rebels

It was a hard fought battle between us and the Cougars from WSU but in the end we managed to come out on top. While the game was a low scoring one, it was nonetheless exciting and fun to be a part of.

# 24 hossafan91 @ Jun 9

Recruiting Log 2:

Today we got our first commit of the 2012 season. Travis Smith, a 2* DT from Fallon, NV. The 6'4, 270 lb DT should help our defensive line in the coming years. Despite being a 2* recruit, our scouts saw him perform over the past couple of years in high school and believe he was underrated. He has good size for a DT in the MWC and should get to see some playing time in the next few years. "I was excited to play in the highest level of college football, and really happy that I can do that at a place that is still close to home (Fallon is a 7 hour drive from Las Vegas). When UNLV offered me a scholarship, I immediately said yes. It is good to know that my hard work is paying off, and now I have college taken care of."

# 25 hossafan91 @ Jun 9

Game 3 of the 2012 season is about to start. As two 1-1 teams go at it in each of their first conference game.

Matchup Preview \| September 22, 2012
	@
Air Force Falcons (1-1, 0-1 Away)		UNLV Rebels (1-1, 1-1 Home)

# 26 hossafan91 @ Jun 10

In the win in today's game, UNLV lost their starting halfback, Tim Cornett for the next 4 weeks with a sprained elbow. While the team managed to bounce back and secure the win after this injury, it is still going to be a tough next four weeks without this player.

Air Force Falcons at UNLV Rebels
Sep 22, 2012	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Air Force Falcons (1-1)	7	7	7	3	24
UNLV Rebels (1-1)	7	21	0	7	35

Air Force Falcons

UNLV Rebels

# 27 hossafan91 @ Jun 10

Recruiting Log 3:

Today, UNLV got their 2nd commit of the 2012 season. Eric Gorman, a 6'7 313 lbs Tackle from Four Corners, OR. This recruit is considered a 3* prospect. Gorman should add size to the UNLV offensive line.

# 28 SkillzKillz719 @ Jun 10

As a guy who was born and raised in Oregon, I can honestly say I really don't like Lake O. I have yet to meet one person from there that doesn't act like they have a stick up their ***.
And if you really did decide between New Mexico and Portland State, you should have gone to PSU. It's honestly a great school.

If your guy gets an offer from Oregon State you better accept! haha.

# 29 hossafan91 @ Jun 10

@SkillzKillz

Just a fun made up story. I actually went to Lincoln high school, and I am a hockey player, not a football player. Agree about (most) Lake O people. There are some genuine guys that I played hockey with from there.

# 30 hossafan91 @ Jun 10

Game 4 of UNLV's college football season. Just got off the bus in Logan, UT and entered the stadium. This is the first away game of our season, and coming off our win last week against Air Force, I want the team to win again. Unfortunately, we are still without leading rusher and starting HB, Tim Cornett who is out with an injured elbow.