Football coaches are constantly scouting for players. Sometimes they find them in unexpected places.  Such was the case for Winston-Salem State freshman quarterback Bryce Jackson.

Jackson was an accomplished baseball player.  "I played flag football when I was little," he recalled.  "I didn't play in middle school, but I always played baseball."

Things would change during his freshman year at D.H. Conley High School in Greenville, N.C.  "My freshman year in high school the football coach knew I played baseball," said Jackson.  "He knew I had an arm, so I decided to go out."

The trajectory of his athletic career would change dramatically.  He still played center field for the Vikings, but football would be his ticket to a college scholarship.  "I didn't have many offers until late," Jackson said.  "I got looks from (NC) A&T and (NC) Central.  I came here for a visit during basketball season and decided to come to Winston.

"I've always played quarterback," Jackson said.  "I've always liked being involved in every play.  I like having that leadership role. I know what I'm capable of doing. It's knowing your assignment and going out there and doing it.  Little mistakes you could always get away with in high school.  You can't get away with it here."

Jackson's favorite position in baseball was catching.  Like football, he could see the entire field.  "I never really wanted to play defense," he said.  "I thought about maybe giving a try at safety or receiver, but the coach wouldn't let me."

His first start at WSSU didn't come until the seventh week of the season against Shaw.  "Early in the season it took a toll mentally," admitted Jackson.  "As a freshman, I wasn't expecting to come in here and start.  I knew it was gonna be hard.

"I definitely want to improve," he continued.  "I've always had a strong arm.  I want every throw to slow down the game.  I want to go out and instantly know what defense they're in.  I want to get the offense on the same page."

Jackson was understandably nervous when he learned about his first collegiate start.  "I was really nervous for that Shaw game," he said.  "I'm always nervous but once I get that first hit or hit that first pass, I settle down."

He wasn't afraid to run with the ball in high school.  "In high school, I was physical, a runner," Jackson said.  "They always said I was slow. We played a spread offense, and I really aired it out.  I would throw for 200 (yards) a game.   In college, I have to get down or get out of bounds."

Jackson did attempt one run that you'll never see him try again.  "I tried to hurdle over somebody.  I got my feet taken out.  I got up really quick so nobody would notice but my teammates saw it.  They kidded me about it."

Sometimes it's tough when your Offensive Coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Kam Smith, was also one of the best quarterbacks in WSSU history.  "I hear that every day," Jackson said, laughing, "but I'm cool with that."

He knows what must be accomplished for the Rams to improve on offense next year.  "I think we could be really good," surmised Jackson.  "It will be our first offseason together as a team. We just got off to a late start this year. We had a lot of new people.

"We had a lot of freshmen and transfers.  It was our first year in the system.  It was just an adjustment."

Jackson said the team never gave up this fall.  "We were all down after (an) 0-5 start.  We never gave up.  We still went out and practiced hard.  We always knew what we had.  It was just putting it together. We have more chemistry now.  We're hanging out together more off the field."

Playing so many road games before finally making the Rams first appearance at Bowman Gray Stadium took its toll.  "We had fun at that first game," he said. "The Ohio trip was a cool experience.  Once we got to that one-month mark, we started getting tired on the bus rides and stuff."

Competition runs deep in his family, according to Jackson.  His brother, Cam, is a standout baseball player at N.C. A&T.  Having his brother nearby was one of the factors in his committing to WSSU.  The atmosphere on the Rams campus also played a role.  "We are family here," he noted.  "It's like a neighborhood.  Everybody knows everybody. The campus setup brings everybody together.

"My brother and I are like twins," he added.  "He won the state (baseball) player of the year.  He worked at it more than I did."

Jackson has set some goals for next year.  "I love competing," he said.  "I have that competitive mindset in practice.  I want to win.  I want to do what I can do to be real vocal moving forward.  I want to know everything.  I want to be the coach on the field."

He's confident of being successful at WSSU.  "I'm really never a party person.  I have the right people, and I've got a good support system.  I listen to them.  The night before a game I go over things the coach gives to me.  I try to relax and keep my mind calm.

"I wake up early on game days.  I listen to some music.  I try not to put too much pressure on myself.  I try to stay calm and relaxed."