Jackson Makes UW Return, Comes Ready to Play From the First Snap
Try as it might, Oregon just wasn't going to get a complete scouting report on the University of Washington football team.
One reason is offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is like a mad scientist, coming up with new wrinkles all the time for the Husky passing attack.
Another is the return of UW wide receiver Giles Jackson, which was totally unexpected by everyone outside the team.
Some thought was given that the 5-foot-9, 178-pound senior from Antioch, California, might be out for the season with his wrist or hand injury and redshirting because of it.
Yet on Saturday, in the Oregon-UW game of the century, Jackson not only made his season debut, he supplied a 26-yard touchdown catch on his first touch and the Huskies' eighth offensive play of the game, good for a 7-0 lead. He easily slipped behind Ducks cornerback Jahlil Florence and beat him by a big step or two to the football and into the end zone.
"As far as Giles, and the things he did out there, it was huge," UW coach Kalen DeBoer said. "He played a big role, especially early in the game."
Jackson's return became even more necessary with fellow wide receiver Jalen McMillan not even lasting the first quarter before he suffered a re-injury with his leg or knee and was done for the day.
The one-time Michigan transfer was way more involved than probably he and everyone else anticipated against the Ducks, finishing with 6 catches for 58 yards.
He had no opportunity to ease himself back into the action, yet he was ready for an enhanced role. It's the mark of the current coaching staff to go to great pains to have its players ready to play at all times.
Jackson began practicing again three weeks ago, on a tentative basis, and was cleared to play at the beginning of the bye week.
"It's energy," DeBoer said. "He's such a team player. Our guys love him. It was really special to see him come back and have the day he had today."
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