Rutgers will begin the 2017 season with redshirt sophomore Jonah Jackson as its starting offensive center. Jackson appeared in all 12 games last year, although that was primarily on special teams and as a backup lineman.

“He is playing like a veteran right now,” offensive line coach AJ Blazek said of Jackson. “You can get out and get after him and he is not going to quiver or cower. He is ready to go. He is a guy that, if I could have gone back, I would have played him a little more last year because he’s got a confidence about him.”

Meanwhile, Jackson is not making any qualms about his playing time in regards to last season.

“I would have liked to play a little more, but the experience I got from that was helpful enough for me to be in the position I am today and I feel comfortable enough to go out and play a 12-game season, 80 snaps a game,” Jackson said. “Being the starter is exciting. I get to step into more of a leadership role on the offensive line and I am excited to lead them into battle. Coach Blazek helps me out every day. It is really nothing new. I have been playing center since I came here. I like it.”

Jackson has also been lauded by coaches and teammates for his football IQ.

“I come in and get extra meeting time. I talk to the coaches more about schemes and what the defense is going to throw at us,” Jackson said. “Their help with that is what really developed my understanding of the game a lot more and got me to where I am today."

Jackson is up to 304 pounds and as training camp is set to conclude, he is eager to start lining across from someone other than his teammates.

“It’s been very fun in camp. But when you are able to go after another team and unleash some true inner demons and put them in the dirt, now that is a lot of fun,” Jackson said. “I am a very nice guy off the field. But once I get my assignment, face my opposition and have to protect whoever is behind me, I have to do what I have to do.”