No Bucs player saw their stock go up higher than inside linebacker Nick Jackson during the preseason opener against the Titans. Jackson led the team with six total tackles, adding a sack and a one-handed interception.

Talk about making a strong first impression.

Nick Jackson’s biggest play of the night was getting his first takeaway. Jackson was the one who came down with it, but he was quick to praise fellow undrafted linebacker John Bullock. Bullock also played well and had two pass breakups.

“I was just like, ‘Woah, I’ve got it,'” Jackson said about the play. “I just saw the ball and stuck my hand out there. That was all God right there, getting me the ball right there. You know, big play by John Bullock – he got his hands up on the ball, so it helicoptered the ball, and it just landed in my hands. The play doesn’t happen without him.”

After Jackson stole the show, he deservedly received the game ball from head coach Todd Bowles for his efforts. Bowles loves what the undrafted free agent brings to the table and praised him following his stellar Saturday night performance.

Todd Bowles: Nick Jackson “Knows How To Play The Game”

Todd Bowles expects a lot from his defensive players, especially at the inside linebacker position. That is why seeing Nick Jackson learn the defense and already look the part is impressive. Jackson was brought in during Bucs rookie minicamp as a tryout player, and then he received a 90-man roster spot afterward. With the way he looked on Saturday night, the undrafted linebacker has a chance to make the 53-man roster.

Bucs ILB Nick Jackson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“[He was] a football player from the time he came in here,” Bowles said about Jackson. “He was somebody we wanted to see, we wanted to watch, and we were paying close attention to him. He just knows the game. He knows how to play the game. He’s very instinctive, he can read things, he’s physical when he needs to be physical and he knows how to cover. He did a very good job tonight.”

Jackson picked up right where he left off from his highly productive college career split between Virginia and Iowa. Jackson totaled 555 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 19 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception during his six years in school. Well-built standing at 6 foot and 235 pounds, Jackson was timed at 4.65 in his pro day 40-yard dash.

Bucs ILB Nick Jackson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

In an inside linebacker room that is short on long-term upside outside of SirVocea Dennis, Jackson and John Bullock impressed Bowles, who alluded to one of them making the team and the other getting a spot on the team’s practice squad.

“I thought they both played with a lot of poise,” Bowles added. “Obviously, Nick makes some plays – a sack and interception – but I thought Bullock played very well, too. Bullock got a tip for the interception. I’ve got to really see how they played on special teams – that’ll be big for them going forward. The veterans we signed are probably going to be here, and we’re looking for a young guy to keep and bring along too, as well as possibly one for the practice squad. I thought those guys had a good showing for the first time out.”

Nick Jackson Cannot Put His Love For Football Into Words – But Makes It Known Through His Actions

Following Saturday night’s game, Nick Jackson was speechless in the locker room at Raymond James Stadium. After playing his heart out on the football field, Jackson fittingly received the game ball.

Bucs ILB Nick Jackson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“It was really special,” Jackson said after getting it. “I mean, I got to live out my childhood dream, and I’m just thankful for the Bucs organization, and them giving me the opportunity just to be here, and my teammates and everything for just helping to get to this point right here.”

A lot of rookies feel the pressure of being on an NFL field for the first time. The preseason offers veteran players a chance to ramp back up, while many first-year players work out the kinks and the ups and downs of playing at the next level.

Jackson didn’t look like just any rookie, though. He was out there competing and showcasing his talent.

“[I am] just a guy who loves ball,” Jackson said. “I really just think that that’s the moral of the story. I love being out there, I love competing, I love playing down-in, down-out, special teams, anything on the field. I just love the game – I’ve just been playing since I was five, [so] it was a childhood dream come true. It doesn’t even feel real right now. I can’t even, I can’t put it really into words.”

As Nick Jackson looks to build off his strong first showing, he has the chance to be the latest UDFA find by general manager Jason Licht and the Bucs’ front office.