[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbx61yex5whq8aq player_id=none image=https://giantswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]
During his time in Tennessee, Adoree’ Jackson demonstrated some impressive versatility. Not only could he play multiple cornerback roles, he also served as both a kick and punt returner.
But that’s not all…
Jackson also occasionally lined up on offense and took a few snaps at running back and wide receiver. He gained 55 yards on five carries in 2017, and even drew a target out of the backfield.
[listicle id=671307]
Granted, there were only 12 offensive snaps in Jackson’s career that we could track down, but he remains open to that sort of trickery with the Giants if it’s something head coach Joe Judge wants.
“I’m not gonna turn it down. Did it when I was at Tennessee. I played running back for a couple of plays, which is cool, that was fun to do that,” Jackson told the New York Post. “I just like playing, man, I just like ballin’, I just like being on the field with my guys. I remember one time at Tennessee, they had me play the blocker for the gunner one play, and I’m over there trying to knock somebody’s chin loose, we’re trying to get in the end zone. Whatever it is they ask, I’m gonna go out there and do.”
And when Jackson says “whatever they ask,” he literally means “whatever they ask.” Whether it’s running back, wide receiver, cornerback, gunner, return man or water boy, he’s all-in.
“At any given moment you can change the game with just that play right there,” Jackson said when asked why he likes returning punts so much.
The Giants have another player of a similar mold in safety Jabrill Peppers, and you better believe Jackson sees those parallels.
“I’ve been knowing Jabrill since 2013. When we were coming out of high school, they used to always, ‘Oh he goes by both ways, I go both ways.’ I feel like that’s one of the people that I would say like wouldn’t remind me of myself, but did similar things or do similar things — punt returning, playing on the defensive side and as such,” Jackson said.
If Joe Judge wants the Giants to get tricky, they certainly have a lot of options. Jackson and Peppers can contribute in all three phases of the game, so don’t be surprised to see them used in a variety of unique ways this season.
[vertical-gallery id=671484]