It was meant as a challenge to Jackson, a converted quarterback the UC coaching staff believes has a bright future as a wide receiver.

Acting like a freshman came naturally to Jackson because, after all, he is an 18-year-old true freshman learning a new position.

But he responded and after a week of practice led the Bearcats receivers in their win over East Carolina with four catches for 48 yards in his first extensive play as areceiver.

"The way I took it was just to play like I know how to play, to play to my ability," Jackson said. "I guess I came in as a freshman with the typical deer-in-the-headlights kind of thing, trying to get my feet wet."

Jackson is the latest member of head coach Mark Dantonio's first recruiting class to make an impact as a first-year player, joining running back Butler Benton (46 carries, 222 yards), punter Brian Steel and placekicker Kevin Lovell.

All four have assumed prominent roles during the first half of the season.

Their development is crucial not only for this season but for next year when the Bearcats will have only nine seniors.

Jackson passed for more than 4,800 yards during his career at Detroit's Country Day High School. When he was recruited by UC, he was told he would get a chance to play quarterback but that he might also be used at other positions.

"He's too good of an athlete to stand on the sideline," Dantonio said.

It took all of four days of summer camp for Jackson to make the switch to receiver.

"I definitely agreed with the decision," Jackson said.

Jackson also plays on the kickoff team, the punt team and the punt return team, and this week he's going to return kicks.

His speed and athletic ability aside, his hands might be his best attribute as areceiver.

On a team that has suffered more than its share of dropped passes during the past few years, Jackson has hands that the ball seems to adhere to on contact.

"He's got great ball skills," Dantonio said. "Most of the time quarterbacks have great ball judgment because they've dealt so much with the football.

"The other thing that helps him is that because he was a quarterback, he understands things conceptually."

Jackson admits he still has a lot to learn about playing receiver, but he already has discovered that in at least one respect his new position has benefits over playing quarterback.

"The contact as a receiver is probably easier," he said, "because when you're at quarterback, you're standing in there taking hits. Your body is loose trying to throw the ball and when you get hit, your body is not quite ready for it. When you catch the ball, you kind of know you're going to get hit."

E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com