PROCTORVILLE, Ohio -- Former Marshall University defensive back Rashad Jackson is the new head football coach at Fairland High School.
The Dragons secondary coach last season, Jackson replaces Cullen Holmolka, who resigned after one season to accept a job as an assistant with N.C. State.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity," Jackson said on Monday. "I'm very thankful."
Fairland featured the Tri-State's most potent passing attack last season, with 3,000 yards passing during a 7-4 season when the Dragons won the Ohio Valley Conference championship and advanced to the playoffs. With quarterback Chance Short returning, Jackson said he likely won't change much in the Dragons' attack.
"We'll run something similar," Jackson said. "I'll put my own twist to it."
Gary Sowards, president of Fairland's Board of Education, said he is excited to have Jackson as head coach. Sowards said Homolka recommended Jackson for the job, which attracted interest from coaches from Texas to northern Ohio.
"Rashad has a long background in football," Sowards said. "He's very knowledgeable of the game. He interviewed very well. Coach Homolka thought very highly of him. He's young and enthusiastic."
Jackson, 25, is from Belle Glade, Fla. He is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson. Recruited to Marshall as a quarterback, he played three seasons as a defensive back. From 2008 through 2011, Jackson appeared in 26 games, made 81 tackles (6.5 for loss), intercepted seven passes, broke up 17 passes and recovered two fumbles. Jackson's best season was in 2011 when he made 41 tackles, including 4.5 for losses, broke up nine passes, intercepted four passes and recovered two fumbles.
Jackson said several people have influenced him on and off the field, including his father, who played for the New Orleans Saints and won a Super Bowl in 1994 with the San Francisco 49ers, as well at Marshall coach Doc Holliday.
"I've always wanted to be a coach," Jackson said. "They made the right decision. Whatever is God's plan is meant to be done. My dad taught me to be tough and to be smart. Coach Holliday taught me to be a strong, firm guy who does the right thing or else you won't be here."
Jackson said he is not ready to reveal his staff, but said he hopes to retain some Fairland assistants and add "a couple of guys" he played with at Marshall.
òòò½ÊÓƵ well as toughness and intelligence on the field, Jackson said he will stress academics and values off the field.
"We'll stress leadership," Jackson said. "No weapons, no drugs, respect women. I'll love the kids. I know how it feels when they don't feel loved. I'll treat each one like my own son."
Fairland offensive and defensive tackle Tyler Campbell said he is pleased with Jackson's hiring.
"Coach Jackson brings a lot of energy to the team," Campbell said. "He gets everybody up. He get guys out to the weight room. I'm glad they hired him. It was a long wait."
