Throughout the summer ODUSports.com will talk to coaches and student-athletes to get to know them better. Today's Q&A is with redshirt freshman running back, Gemonta Jackson. Jackson redshirted last season but was impressive in spring practice.
Q: What was it like playing quarterback in high school?
GJ: It was amazing to be able to touch the ball on every play and have everything run through you. I enjoyed it a lot.
Q: How was the transition from quarterback to running back when you came to ODU?
GJ: It’s better. I learned all the plays from playing quarterback, it helped me at running back to learn just that position.
Q: You redshirted last season, how did that help your development?
GJ: At first I didn’t think the redshirt year was needed. But overall, I think it really helped me and it made me a better player. I had a lot of maturing to do last year and I think I did that with my redshirt year.
Q: What is your major?
GJ: Sport management.
Q: What do you want to do after graduation?
GJ: I actually want to be a head coach at a football or basketball program.
Q: You were also a pretty good basketball player in high school. How much fun did you have playing both sports?
GJ: Basketball was real fun. I played four years of varsity basketball. We went to the state championship my freshman year but we lost. It was fun playing in that environment. Football has a bigger crowd, but everyone is further away. Having everyone close up in basketball and seeing your face was excellent.
Q: When did you start playing football?
GJ: I started playing football when I was six.
Q: How did you get involved?
GJ: My dad took me to a practice one day, and ever since then I’ve been playing.
Q: Why Old Dominion?
GJ: Old Dominion showed more interest in me than any other school.
Q: Charles Bankins was hired in the spring to coach the running backs, how have you taken to his coaching style?
GJ: Coach Bankins is an excellent coach. He helps us with everything, he makes us read every key there is and he’s taught us better ways to watch film.
Q: Spring ball was your chance to show what you could do, how was it to get on the field for that?
GJ: It felt good to actually be able to compete and play again. I think it’s also going to help me during the season.
Q: There is a lot of competition at running back, how does that help you?
GJ: It makes me push myself more. It actually helps all of us, to make sure we don’t have any bad days or start slacking off because we know you can lose your spot at any time.
Q: Favorite Football Team?
GJ: Dallas Cowboys.
Q: Dream Vacation?
GJ: Panama City.
Q: Favorite sport other than football?
GJ: Basketball
Q: Who is the funniest guy on the team?
GJ: David Washington
Q: Favorite TV Show?
GJ: Power
Q: Favorite Movie?
GJ: Friday