BOULDER — The only players remaining on the University of Colorado football roster who were in the program with Bernard Jackson are fifth-year seniors.
One is quarterback Cody Hawkins. As a redshirt freshman, Hawkins watched Jackson start 11 games in 2006.
“Everybody you talk to will tell you Bernard’s the first guy to say hello to you when you walk in, and he always had a smile on his face,” Hawkins said. “Bernard’s probably a big reason guys like myself and Scotty McKnight made it through our freshman year, when that was a really tough season. He was always optimistic, and when we were freshmen getting homesick, he was always taking us aside and made sure we were doing well.”
Jackson was ruled academically ineligible shortly before the 2007 season, and Hawkins — expected to be the starter, anyway — lost his main competitor. Then came Jackson’s arrest and conviction on felony menacing charges and nearly a year in jail.
“If anybody in the world deserves a second chance, it’s that guy,” Cody Hawkins said. “I truly believe he’s a great guy who got stuck in a bad situation. Some people just don’t always have the power to say no.
“Saying no to your friends is tough. Sometimes when your friends get into a mess, it’s hard to abandon them. I think now he obviously sees that.”
CU senior cornerback Jimmy Smith echoed what Hawkins said. “Bernard was one of my best friends when he was up here. He’s a good guy who got into a little bit of trouble and made some wrong decisions. I’m wishing and hoping that things go differently now that he’s getting a second chance.”
CU head coach Dan Hawkins said he was “totally” happy Jackson is getting another chance in school and in football at CSU-Pueblo. “I want to see the guy graduate, get heading in a good, positive direction for a good long time. I love that kid. I do.
“Hey, you have to pay your dues. There’s no denying that. But I’m telling you, Bernard Jackson is not an evil kid. He is not.”
