UNLV’s Jackson earns first start vs. TCU

Linebacker Princeton Jackson has shown at times why he was UNLV's highest-rated football recruit this year.

He has made plays and brought energy to the defense. But Jackson also needed time to learn the nuances of the game at this level.

"That's a natural transition, even for junior college players," coach Bobby Hauck said. "They can assimilate a little faster than high school guys. In theory, they're more physically ready, but in terms of putting it all together and getting into the system, it usually takes them about half the season."

Jackson has progressed enough that he will make his first start for the Rebels (2-9, 1-5 Mountain West Conference) when they play at No. 18 Texas Christian (9-2, 6-0) at 11:30 a.m. PST Saturday.

Coming out of Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, Jackson was rated as a four-star prospect by Scout.com and a three-star recruit by Rivals.com. Rivals also ranked him the nation's 27th-best junior college recruit.

Jackson, who recently was switched from middle to outside, has shown some of that potential in making 34 tackles, including three for loss and two sacks.

He admitted to being frustrated by not starting, but wouldn't let it affect his game.

"Once you get to a point in your life where you're ready to give up, success is right around the corner," Jackson said. "That's what my dad always told me. He told me to keep pushing, don't ever give up, and that's what I tried to do.

"I never showed my frustration on the field with my teammates because that's not being a team player. I just tried to step out of myself and into the team."

NOTABLE

This is an especially meaningful game for many UNLV players because 12 of them are from Texas. The Rebels also are expected to reunite with Bryce Saldi, who is planning to be at the game. Saldi, who lives in Southlake, Texas, suffered a major head injury in July 2009. ... Dionza Bradford is 21 yards from breaking UNLV's freshman rushing record of 624 set by James Wofford in 1997. ... Tim Cornett is the first UNLV player to score touchdowns rushing, receiving and on returns since Henry Bailey, who played from 1991 to 1994. ... TCU starting offensive left tackle Jeff Olson is engaged to Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Kaitlin Ilseng, whose profile can be found on the squad's website. Wide receiver Skye Dawson's mother, Rhonda, was a Cowboys cheerleader in 1982 and 1983.

KEY MATCHUP

UNLV's defensive backs vs. TCU's wide receivers.

The Horned Frogs are deep and talented. Josh Boyce, who has 55 catches for 903 yards, should finish with school single-season records in both categories. Dawson, who has 39 receptions for 413 yards, is the Mountain West champion in the 60 meters at 6.69 seconds. And there also are Antoine Hicks (29 catches for 325 yards) and Brandon Carter (19 for 272) to be concerned about.

INJURY REPORT

(Supplied by UNLV)

Player, Position, Injury, Status

Aaron Reed, H-back, Leg, Out

Taylor Spencer, WR Leg, Out

Alvin Almicar, DL, Arm, Out

Kenneth Penny, DB, Leg, Out

C.J. Cox, LB, Arm, Out

Jordan Sparkman, DL, Leg, Questionable

Mike Clausen, DB, Arm, Questionable

Matt Kravetz, DL, Leg, Probable

Caleb Herring, QB, Undisclosed, Probable