Alabama’s junior defensive back Eddie Jackson embraced his transition from cornerback to safety during the offseason. He recorded 41 tackles, a sack, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception last season, yet struggled against physical receivers.

Jackson was rushed back into action after a knee injury in the spring of 2014, but seemed to have regained a swagger in his step against Wisconsin at AT&T Stadium.

He finished with six solo tackles, including one on third down. Jackson limited Wisconsin’s receivers from yards after catches by tackling in space. He created the first turnover of the game, intercepting a pass off Badgers’ senior quarterback Joel Stave in the fourth quarter.

Jackson’s efforts on defense helped Alabama secure a 35-17 win over Wisconsin.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.