LA Tech defensive back earns honors

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech junior defensive back James Jackson has been named Conference USA’s Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in the Bulldogs’ season-opening road victory over South Alabama on Saturday, the league office announced on Monday afternoon.

Jackson helped lead Louisiana Tech to a road win over South Alabama after he littered the stat sheet with six tackles, half a sack, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery on Saturday night in Mobile. This marks the first weekly award in Jackson’s Bulldog career. It was a night to remember for the Haynesville native as he set new career highs in each statistical category over the course of his performance against the Jaguars. The junior safety accounted for half of the Bulldogs turnovers against South Alabama on Saturday.

On Saturday, the Bulldog defense limited the Jaguars quarterbacks to a combined 11-for-23 passing and just 91 passing yards. It marked the fewest passing yards allowed on 23-plus attempts by the Bulldogs since Oct. 9, 2010 versus Utah State. Overall, Jackson and the defense forced four turnovers – two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. LA Tech’s defense has now forced 10 turnovers in the last two games dating back the final game of the 2017 season.

LA Tech will open its home slate this Saturday, Sept. 8 as the Bulldogs host the Southern Jaguars at 6 p.m.