Anniston, AL – Till Jackson will be rewarded by all those that gave him the shot first, the new Anniston coach’s biggest strength is the ability to handle the ‘noise’
Joe Medley
The months of his tenure gave Rico Jackson time to move beyond his initial impressions of Rico Jackson’s Anniston players and managers who hired Rico Jackson. Fans?
For those who didn’t have the pleasure of it, particularly those who didn’t succeed in finding their way during the hunt which brought Jackson to Anniston Note the peaceful tranquility. Take note of Jackson’s comfort within his self-confidence.
The life in a brutal class 4A area along with the 4A South playoff bracket is going to test him in the same way as other coaches. However, his attire is loud, like the cozy Navy blue AHSAA pullover he wore for the preseason press conference on Monday.
It is a result of the experience of coaching five other teams before Anniston.
“Just be quiet,” Jackson said. “There was lots of noise coming through. I don’t mind it. I have never had any issues with it I just have the experience. Relax and get to work.
“I am aware of my worth. I know what my worth is. I know what I’m capable of. accomplish.”
It could be the most significant superpower of his until he is able to show his worth in the field. And the reasons to believe his first Anniston team will assist him to reduce the amount of noise.
It’s true, Kamron Sandlin and Roq Montgomery Roq Montgomery, the Alabama signee who was previously known as Ryqueze McElderry, both graduated. And so did Jaylon Cunningham.
Stars graduates, and Anniston was able to score a few wins during their 11-1 run and also played in a classic state championship match against the eventual winner Andalusia In 2022.
Sure, Malachi and Hezekiah Harris and Grayshaun Swain accompanied Rico White to Mae Jemison. Transfers are like doing the business of high school athletics especially after a coaching change However, the door opened both ways.
The former Saks quarterback Gavin Doss joined the “Dawgs on 3” huddle. The same was the case for the former Oxford running back Caleb Wynn and receiver Ahmad Kelly and former Alexandria defensive back T.K. Downie.
All-Calhoun County’s running back Malachi Taylor returns, and Jackson is able to play with Auburn committed Jayden Lewis His offensive role will grow to meet his workload on defense and special teams during the season.
There’s still a lot of talent at Anniston and I you can count Lewis among the leaders who offered Jackson the chance.
There’s still talent around Anniston as well as Doss, Downie, Kelly and Wynn have given Jackson the chance to shine.
For Anniston’s fans, she’s always been a tough barbershop. You can ask Eddie Bullock, and he’s the longest-running Bulldog.
Inject long-standing grievances whether real or imagined which stem from local politics and devils in the details evade the mark of reflexive critics. People who want a different coach, harp on Jackson’s 58/59 record elsewhere as a big glimpse. They don’t remember White’s record of 3072 prior to his more than doubling his winnings in the final season at Anniston.
When the clock struck zero on the Andalusia game Some fans were unable to remember that White took Anniston’s very first region title since 2011, and was in charge of the Bulldogs one of the most intense playoff runs between 2010 and 2011.
When the talent flow is in Anniston and coaches who understand how to use it are successful.
When Jackson was able to show his talent at Aliceville He was able to take it into the Super 7.
He’s content with letting time be the judge for those who believe he requires to be vindicated. He’s grateful for the opportunity.
“A most of the time young black coaches don’t receive the jobs as other coaches do which is why we need to start from the bottom from the ground up,” he said. “I was fortunate to be able to secure Anniston. I’m aware of the blessing I hold in my hands and I’m determined to keep working.”
Bulldog facts
Things to be aware of about Anniston football ahead of the 2023 season
Rico Jackson begins in Anniston’s first year as the head coach. He’s 58-59 over the course of 11 seasons as an assistant trainer at Tarrant, Murphy, Escambia County, Aliceville and Fairfield.
The Bulldogs were 11-1 in 2022 and won Class 4A Region 4, and making it to the state quarterfinals. There, they fell 35-28 to the eventual the state champ Andalusia.
The most significant loss to the 2022 class includes All-State QB Kamron Sandlin who was signed as an athlete for South Carolina, and Class 4A’s top lineman Roq Montgomery (who changed his name to Ryqueze McElderry). All-State wide receiver Jaylon Cunningham also graduated. All-State defensive lineman Hezekiah Harris is brother to Calhoun County’s All-Calhoun offensive lineman Malachi Harris, and All-State defense linebacker Grayshaun Swin was the son of the former Anniston Coach Rico White to Mae Jemison.
–Returning All State and/or All Calhoun County selections: ATH Jayden Lewis, DB Jaden Dobbins, RB Malachi Taylor, DB Love Kirby, LB Kevontae Johnson and the TE Khamar Holder and the DL Collin Wansart, DL Que Elston.
Watch out for: QB Gavin Doss, who led Saks to the playoffs in 2022. He was transferred to Anniston along with Oxford the RB Caleb Wynn, Oxford WR Ahmad Kelly and Alexandria WR/DB T.K. Downie. All of them were Calhoun All-Star County players.
