ROOKIE MINI-CAMP

Q: How is it going thus far?

TYSON JACKSON: “It is going pretty good. I am getting adjusted back to football now. The last three or four months I have been training for the combine. I have been trying to break out of that combine mode and get into football shape. So far, so good.”

Q: Are you starting to feel like a Chief after seeing that jersey?

JACKSON: “Yeah, it feels good. I have been putting on that red jersey on, number 94, and I have been feeling like a Chief ever since then. It is a good experience. I saw Glenn (Dorsey) today and he told me I was looking good in the number 94. I am really liking the situation right now.”

Q: Do you feel pressure knowing they may expect you to come in and make a difference right away?

JACKSON: “It all comes down to football. If I continue preparing the way I am right now, it is just learning the defense and getting the playbook down. I should be okay come the season.”

Q: How different do you think this will be from LSU?

JACKSON: “It is pretty different. They are in a 3-4 mode here compared to at LSU where it was a 4-3. At the end of the day football is football, you have to put your hand in the dirt and come at the offensive lineman. Once I get adjusted to that and get acquainted to what is going on around here, I will be ok.”

Q: Do you think you will be a good 3-4 player?

JACKSON: “Yes. I have a long way to go. I am going to continue working with my coaches, keep learning the playbook and the different techniques to use, but I think then I will be okay.”

Q: Are you and DT Alex Magee bonding a little bit?

JACKSON: “Yeah. I knew Alex because we trained together for the combine.”

Q: Have you talked with Alex about learning the new playbook?

JACKSON: “Right now we are just trying to get into the new playbook. We will go back to our rooms and question each other, just to see if we know what is going on. We go question, answer, question, answer back and forth to each other, just trying to learn the playbook so we can get on the field and know what we are doing.”

Q: Has the schedule for this weekend surprised you?

JACKSON: “No. So far, so good. It is pretty much the same type of way LSU ran their program except at a professional level so everything is much quicker and everything is on time. So far so good, I have adjusted pretty easily. I am pretty sure once the vets get here it is going to pick up even more. Right now I am doing ok.”

Q: What kind of impression has Coach Haley made on you?

JACKSON: “The first time I met him at the combine I thought he was a great coach just by the way he approached me when I walked into the room. From being around him the last two days I am getting the same feeling. He is a great coach who really understands football and he really has a passion for the game.”

Q: What do you think of your position coach, Tim Krumrie?

JACKSON: “He is a real intense coach and I just liked the way he played the game. I think I am going to end up learning a lot from him if I just keep listening and soak up everything he says and take it from the classroom onto the field.”

Q: Has anything been overwhelming?

JACKSON: “No. I got adjusted to the playbook pretty good. A lot of times in college we got started with a lot more than that. I think the coaches are trying to take their time and do it piece by piece. I am really getting acquainted with the defense and learning my role.”

Q: Many experts say the transition from college to the pros is hard. What is the difference for you?

JACKSON: “I can understand where the expert is coming from. Once again, it is football but guys are much faster, bigger, stronger and they know the technique. They not only know the offensive line’s game, but they know what the defense is supposed to do. They are able to get an advantage by cheating sometimes, but at the same time you are a professional so you have to get adjusted quickly. That is why I study my playbook as much as possible and keep listening to Coach Krumrie to try and get an advantage like that.”

Q: Have you talked to your agent about getting a contract done?

JACKSON: “No, I haven’t talked to my agent. I have been so busy trying to get used to this playbook that I haven’t worried about anything like that. I am just trying to get through this mini-camp and learn as much as possible before we get out here on Sundays. I need to be here as early as possible. I need to get here and learn my plays and stay ahead with the vets. I really need to be here on time and I am pretty confident in my agent. He is going to take care of everything that is supposed to be done.”

Q: Is this experience intimidating?

JACKSON: “No, it is not intimidating; it is just change like all things. I played in the SEC, so I have experienced a lot going against guys from Auburn or Alabama and guys with good technique like Tennessee. I played against pretty much all of them so I have adjusted pretty well so far.”

Q: Have you seen anything that has scared you and makes you think you need to up your game?

JACKSON: “Nothing has scared me so far, but I know I need to step up my game much more. I can’t continue to play the college game in the NFL.”

Q: What keeps you so level headed?

JACKSON: “The coaches in college always used to tell us to ‘control the controllable.’ I will take it one day at a time. I can only control what I can control and everything outside the box I leave alone.”

Q: Will anyone from your family be coming up frequently and will it be tough to leave your family?

JACKSON: “No, my brother will probably come visit often, but my mother doesn’t like flying, so she is probably going to drive if anything.”