Rock Bridge RB Bryce Jackson ready to make impact as preferred walk-on at Mizzou
COLUMBIA, Mo. (BVM) — Rock Bridge senior running back Bryce Jackson may not be ranked by some of the country’s top recruiting services, but that hasn’t slowed him down at all during his high school football career.
“Stuff like that is always in the back of your mind but I wouldn’t say it motivates me or puts a chip on my shoulder,” Jackson said about not being ranked. “For me, it’s me against me. It’s me pushing myself on the field, in the weight room or wherever I am.”
It is that kind of mindset and mentality, as well as a humble, team-first attitude, which has made Jackson so successful in his decade-long football career.
“I think what attracted me to playing it is that it’s a team sport,” Jackson noted. “You play with a group of guys that you go to work with everyday and it just becomes a brotherhood. That brotherhood aspect and camaraderie is what I like most about it.”
The now dynamic running back grew up watching football each Saturday and Sunday, loving what he saw and wanting to emulate college and pro players. Another person he wanted to follow was his dad, a former player himself.
“I started looking up to my dad at a young age and he really got me into the game,” Jackson said. “He was a great player and that really makes me look up to him and aspire to achieve the things he did. He’s really a great role model for me and a big reason why I play football. I appreciate everything he’s done coaching me from a young age to now and everything I’ve achieved up to this point I owe to him.”
Growing up, Jackson played youth football locally in Columbia, Mo. From a young age, he knew he had skill and talent. Although humble, the running back knows he has the perfect skillset to be a versatile player.
“I think I have great vision and can see the field differently than your typical back,” Jackson mentioned. “My lateral movement, my ability to make people miss and also my ability to punish people to get those extra three to four yards makes me a really versatile back.”
Jackson’s talent was seen early on at Rock Bridge High School. However, initially it wasn’t just at running back. Moving up to varsity during his sophomore season, Jackson found a home on special teams and at outside linebacker to adapt to the next level.
But by junior year, it was time for Jackson to take over in the Rock Bridge backfield. Over the last two seasons, Jackson has displayed his impressive abilities, highlighted by a senior campaign in which he ran for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns.
For his efforts, Jackson was named the Bruins’ offensive player of the year, a Central Missouri Athletic Conference second-team player, and an all-district and all-state academic team member by the Missouri Football Coaches Association.
The stats and accolades are something to be proud of. But with the uncertainty that surrounded the beginning of the season due to the pandemic, Jackson is just thankful to have gotten to play for Rock Bridge one last time.
“With the year we had, going into our senior season, we didn’t even know if we would have a season,” Jackson explained. “We got to play a season and got to play 11 games which a lot of people didn’t, so I’m grateful for that.
“Of course I had goals for yards, touchdowns and all of that. But my main goal was to walk away at the end of it knowing I gave 110 percent, gave it all for my team and left it all out on the field. I think I accomplished that.”
It’s that kind of mentality on the field that defines the 5-foot-9 running back, and anyone in the next generation of Rock Bridge players can look up to and learn from the senior star.
“I hope I was just a good role model and taught those guys that if you want to be out here and have a starting spot, you need to give 110 percent on the practice field, in the weight room and even in the classroom,” Jackson added. “I hope I left the legacy of hard work, great work ethic and discipline. Leaving your mark on a school that you love so much was really important to me.”
There is no question about the impact Jackson has left at Rock Bridge. Now, it will soon be his chance to do so at the college level. Early on in the recruiting process, Jackson didn’t have a whole lot of interest with the pandemic continuing to affect things.
But this winter, the interest started coming in from schools anywhere from Division I to NAIA. Jackson considered joining a lower level school where he might have the chance to see the field right away.
However, after receiving a preferred walk-on offer from the Missouri Tigers, the opportunity to stay home, as well as the challenge of earning an eventual scholarship at the Division I, Power 5 level was too good to pass up.
I wanted to officially announce that I have decided to continue my academic and athletic career at The University of Missouri. It's a privilege to have been given this opportunity. I'm excited and ready to work!! #Mizzou #NewZou pic.twitter.com/7qJ1qQh4Ll
— Bryce Jackson (@33stayhumble) April 20, 2021
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play at Mizzou,” Jackson said. “When I got that call from Mizzou just a month ago, it was a decision I had to think about, but my heart told me I needed to go to Mizzou. I know I can go to a DII or NAIA school and probably start in a year or so. But going to Mizzou and earning a starting spot and scholarship would be much more rewarding at the end of the day. That’s why I chose to go there and I’m grateful for the opportunity and to be a Missouri Tiger.”
The Tigers’ football program is plenty familiar with Rock Bridge players. Over the past couple years, former Bruins and old teammates of Jackson — Martez Manuel and Will Norris — have also joined Mizzou. Jackson is eager to join his former teammates while keeping the local pipeline going.
“I loved playing with those guys when they were here at Rock Bridge and I’m definitely looking forward to getting to reunite with those guys,” Jackson mentioned. “It’ll be an honor to go along with them and honor Rock Bridge at the DI collegiate level.”
Throughout high school, Jackson has also been a standout in the classroom. His ultimate goal at Mizzou is coming away with a degree, and he will look to major in health science. A potential career in athletics — as well as potentially coaching at the DI level — is in Jackson’s plans. But first, he would love to be able to fulfill what has been a long-time dream.
“I definitely think I could play at the NFL level and all I can do is just give it my all and my everything while still doing those things that have gotten me to this point so far,” the running back said. “If I keep doing those things, I truly believe the rest will take care of itself. Right now, it’s just important to take it one step at a time, but it would definitely be a dream come true for me to play in the NFL.”
The chance to play professionally is something every athlete dreams of. But as Jackson notes, it is one step at a time. Right now, it’s all about finding a way to make his name known at Mizzou next season and beyond.
“My goal for my freshman year is just to get noticed and show them that I’m an asset that they can use. I believe I can be that guy because of my work ethic and what I do off the field when nobody is looking. I just want to show the coaches what I can do and earn that scholarship.”
