Football co-captain hopes to help less-fortunate children

By Eric Zimmerling Spartan Daily

May 14, 2007

San Jose, CA (CSTV U-WIRE) -- Trae Jackson is the epitome of an elite student athlete. One of four co-captains of the San Jose State University football team, Jackson was also extremely active in the community.

The five-foot-nine-inch strong safety recorded nine tackles in the 2007, a season that was highlighted by a win over The University of New Mexico in the New Mexico bowl for Jackson and the Spartans.

"My most memorable moment of college football was winning that game," Jackson said. "It was a real accomplishment for us."

Jackson grew up in Los Angeles, Calif. where he lettered at Thomas Jefferson High School. Jackson began his collegiate football career at Arizona State University where he red shirted in 2003 prior to coming to SJSU in 2004.

As the door is closing on his life here at SJSU, Jackson is looking to open another door back in his hometown of Los Angeles.

"I am looking to open a group home for under-privileged kids in Los Angeles after I graduate," Jackson said.

Terry McDonald, a psychology professor at SJSU, said Jackson was a great student and is an even better person.

"He did great in my classes," McDonald said. "It takes a lot to be a good student while having to get up early every day with his football commitments, and he balanced both well. He works with kids and does a lot of volunteering. He is a great role model."

Jackson was also the University's nominee for the Coca-Cola Community All-American program.

The program is designed to help institutions recognize, celebrate and applaud student-athletes who are making a difference in their communities.

In his career at SJSU, Jackson recorded 23 tackles and one quarterback sack. In 2005, Jackson recovered onside kicks in games against Utah State University and the University of Nevada.