Action Jackson Returns to Sharks' Secondary
Published on October 17, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Jacksonville Sharks News Release
JACKSONVILLE - The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks retained a key member of the team's secondary on Wednesday, announcing that defensive back LaRoche Jackson has been assigned to the Sharks' roster on a two-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
2013 will be the 28-year-old Jackson's third season in the Arena Football League. He played in all 18 regular-season games - making 14 starts - for the Sharks in 2012. Jackson finished the 2012 season with 97 total tackles, leading the team in that category for a second consecutive season. He also lead the team with 104 interception return yards and also finished second on the team in interceptions (4) and pass breakups (14).
"[Jackson] is a hard-nosed player and the ultimate team player," Moss said. "He was an integral part of our championship defense and emerged as a veteran leader last year. It's great to have his toughness and leadership back in the fold."
Jackson earned AFL Defensive Player of the Week honors after turning in a phenomenal performance against the Cleveland Gladiators in Week 16. In that game, Jackson racked up a season-high of 10.5 total tackles and two interceptions to help lead the Sharks to a 56-42 win. Jackson also returned an interception for a touchdown in Week 14 against the Georgia Force.
In addition to his work on defense, Jackson chipped in on special teams with 119 kickoff return yards in 2012. He also recorded 1.5 tackles for loss and both forced and recovered a fumble.
As a rookie in 2011, Jackson established a new franchise record with 119 total tackles, ending the season second in the league in that category. That season, Jackson also grabbed six interceptions, broke up 10 passes, recorded two tackles for loss and scored a defensive touchdown.
Before joining the Sharks, Jackson spent time with the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2010. In 2009, Jackson recorded eight interceptions for the Bloomington Extreme of the Indoor Football League. He made his indoor football debut with the American Indoor Football Association's Carolina Speed in 2008. A native of Irwinton, Georgia, Jackson played collegiate football at Clark Atlanta University.
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