Who is Marquis Jackson?

That has been perhaps the most asked question around Portland State's football camp so far this August.

It is a legitimate query as Jackson has earned preseason All-American honors and has yet to play a down as a Viking.

So let's start with the facts. Jackson was highly recruited out of Birmingham High School in Northridge, CA. He had interest from USC but ended up a non-qualifier and had to attend junior college. Jackson played one season at College of the Canyons, where he played with current Viking teammates Khalil Bass and Jeremy Boone. He spent a second year focusing on academics so he could move on to a Division I school.

Jackson ended up signing with Texas Southern of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. And, playing at the Houston school, Jackson made a name for himself, earning first team All-SWAC honors two years in a row. In two seasons, the 6-5, 260-pound defensive end had 111 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 11 pass breakups and five forced fumbles. Wow.

But following last season, Texas Southern found itself facing NCAA sanctions for a low Academic Progress Rate. Jackson, wanting a chance to play for a championship team and in the postseason, decided it was time to move on. Because of NCAA rules regarding APR sanctions, student-athletes are allowed to transfer without sitting out a season.

Jackson takes the story from there. "I came to Portland State because I wanted to play for a championship and this seemed like the best fit for me. Khalil Bass and Jeremy Boone told Coach Burton about my situation. After speaking to him, the rest was history, I came to Portland State."

And with little fanfare - initially - Jackson arrived in Portland in June.

"The guy's talent is undeniable," said Burton. "At this point, what we are trying to do is help him get to the next level in terms a college football player and the NFL, taking advantage of all his instincts and putting him in a situation to be a play-maker. He has a great attitude out here."

Jackson is one of a group of new Viking defensive linemen that have transferred in and should make an impact this year, including JR DE Nick Alexander (Boise State), JR DT Tomasi Molesi (Arizona Western JC) and JR DT Zack Ka'ahanui (Northern Arizona).

Now entering the 2012 season, Jackson was named a second team preseason All-American by the College Sporting News and the Phil Steele publication. The College Football Performance Awards list him as a "Player to Watch" and one of the top defensive ends in the country.

And the pedigree is certainly there. Marquis has a twin brother, Malik, who played two seasons at USC, then was a two-time All-SEC performer at Tennessee. He was a fifth-round NFL draft pick and now plays for the Denver Broncos.

That said, the change for Marquis Jackson to Portland State has been dramatic.

"As far as practice tempo… the pace that we run in practice, running 26 plays in like 10 minutes is ridiculous," Jackson said. But he clearly understands that tempo and has adapted well. The key "…is just coming out here, running, getting better and getting your stamina up, so when it comes time for the game it seems slow enough that you can dominate."

"He has learned that our speed is a little different from other teams' speed," said Burton. "Our work ethic is a little different from other teams, but he has done a nice job of buying in and the sky is the limit for him."

How can he get better? "Hustle to the ball and run with a reckless abandon," said Jackson.

"He has the ability and size to play defensive end, but the ability to move like a linebacker. We'll do some things with him to get him in space as well," said Burton. "He has been a nice addition. We are looking forward to big things out of him."

Learning the defense hasn't come without help. But that makes Jackson feel all the better about it. "The defense is good, Khalil is helping me, my fellow d-linemen are helping me, everybody has just welcomed me with open arms. It is very heartwarming and I feel like I am home. This is the place to be."


PRACTICE SCHEDULE CHANGE: Portland State Football will be changing its single practice-day schedule over the next two weeks, moving those practices to earlier in the day. Listed below is the revised practice schedule for Portland State.

REVISED PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Aug. 13 10:30-12:30, 5:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 14 10:30-1 p.m.
Aug. 15 10:30-12:30, 5:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 16 10:30-1 p.m.
Aug. 17 10:30-12:30, 5:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 18 10:30-1 p.m., scrimmage begins approximately 11 a.m.
Aug. 19 Off Day
Aug. 20 10:30-12:30, 5:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 21 10:30-1 p.m.
Aug. 22 10:30-12:30, 5:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 23 10:30-1 p.m.
Aug. 24 3-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 25 11 a.m.

VIKING FOOTBALL ALUMNI DAY
Portland State football will host Alumni Day at the Aug. 18 scrimmage at Stott Community Field. PSU football alums are invited to attend practice and the scrimmage, beginning at 10 a.m. Afterward, PSU will host a barbecue for all football alums and an opportunity to meet the team and coaches.

MEET THE VIKS DAY ON AUG. 25
Portland State football will host a "Meet The Viks" youth day following practice on Aug. 25 at Stott Community Field. PSU will practice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All youth football teams are invited to attend. Following practice at 1 p.m., youth players will take part in a mini-camp. At 2 p.m. there will be a fan fest, including autograph signings, poster giveaways, and other kid activities.