An Oklahoma native is making major waves in the sports world.
Wes Welker?
Think again.
Watch my latest video commentary or read below:
He was a local sports standout, born and raised in the Oklahoma City area.
He was expected to be a decent college player but emerged as a team leader.
Now, he is playing for one of the best teams in the land.
Yep, Darnell Jackson is having one heck of a season.
Oh, you thought we were going to talk more about New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker? We’re not ruling it out, since the Super Bowl is this week, but for now, let’s talk about Jackson.
The power forward played high school ball at Northwest Classen, then at Midwest City. He was a solid player, averaging 12.6 points and landing third-team Big All-City honors as a senior. Really, though, that isn’t the resume most players take to Kansas. The Jayhawks usually build around guys who are All-Americans, not all-city third-teamers.
Jackson had three decent years at Kansas, but this season, he has blossomed. He is second on the team averaging 12.8 points a game. That’s more than Brandon Rush, who considered leaving school early for the NBA. It’s more than Mario Chalmers or Russell Robinson, the talented guards who make the team go. Only Darrell Arthur is averaging more points than Jackson.
What’s more, Jackson is shooting 65.8 percent from the field.
He has become the Jayhawks’ most consistent player and just made their best player. Kansas has a star-studded bunch. You don’t make it to the final week of January with an undefeated record without some serious talent.
Thing is, Jackson’s play might be the difference between the really good Kansas teams of the past few years and this year’s team, arguably the best in the country.
No doubt Wes Welker is getting lots of love these days, but Darnell Jackson is every bit as important to his team and its championship hopes.
Another Oklahoma athlete doing well. Doing us proud, too.