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Tarvaris Jackson, the first-ever MVP in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, recalls with fondness how the 2005 game set the stage for his NFL career
By Donald Hunt
In 36 games as the starting quarterback for Alabama State, Tarvaris Jackson led the Hornets to two SWAC championship games (and the title in 2004). As a three-year starter, Jackson compiled an impressive 24-12 record. But unlike the hundreds of quarterbacks who get to show the nation their skills on the national stage every week, Jackson only had a few chances—and he put one to good use in 2005 when Alabama State faced South Carolina State in the inaugural MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.
“I really enjoyed playing in the game,” recalls Jackson, a four-year NFL pro. “It was the first year of the event. Alabama State-South Carolina State was a good rivalry. I know everybody looked forward to the game. I just wished we could have won. But the MEAC/SWAC Challenge gave me, as well as other players, some good exposure. The game was on ESPN. I know a lot of NFL scouts had a chance to see us play.”
Indeed, Jackson’s Hornets lost to the Bulldogs, 27-14, but he put on a terrific show in front of more than 18,000 fans. He threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns, and received the game’s Most Valuable Player award.
The Minnesota Vikings were plenty impressed with Jackson’s play, and in 2006 chose the multi-faceted quarterback in the second round of the NFL Draft. One game alone, however, didn’t make Jackson’s name. In SWAC history, he ranks seventh in touchdowns, with 67, and ninth in passing, with 7,839 yards. He concluded his playing career at Alabama State with 79 touchdowns (68 passing and 11 rushing).
The Montgomery, Ala., native credits his former quarterback coach, Reggie Barlow, now the head coach at Alabama State, for much of his success. “Reggie Barlow really worked with me on my passing game,” he says. “He gave me a lot of confidence. Reggie is very knowledgeable. He has plenty of NFL experience, and he was a big help to me.”
Jackson, the fifth QB taken—behind Vince Young (Tennessee Titans, Texas), Matt Leinart (Arizona Cardinals, Southern Cal), Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears, Vanderbilt University) and Kellen Clemens (New York Jets, University of Oregon)—is in good company.
And, historically speaking, he’s in even better company for what he’s already accomplished. He is on a list of quarterbacks drafted out of HBCU schools, joining Steve McNair (Alcorn State) and Doug Williams (Grambling State). McNair, a first-round pick in 1995 by the Houston Oilers, later starred for the Titans and the Baltimore Ravens. Williams, who served as the keynote speaker at the 2008 MEAC/SWAC Challenge, was a first-round pick in 1978 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and later guided the Washington Redskins to an MVP performance over John Elway’s Denver Broncos.
Jackson, 26, has a good sense of history. “Doug Williams was a great quarterback,” says Jackson, who threw for 1,056 yards and nine TDs last season en route to leading Minnesota to the postseason. “He won a Super Bowl. He had a real good career. I watched Steve McNair play in college. He played really well at Alcorn State. Then, he had a great career in the NFL. We’ve had some good players come out of the SWAC. There’s no question about it.”
Jackson believes the MEAC/SWAC Challenge is a great showcase for the talent level in both conferences. “Both conferences have good players,” he says. “Two years ago, I remember watching [former Hampton star and current Jacksonville Jaguar] Justin Durant play in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.”
Jackson is quick to add that the MEAC/SWAC Challenge—as well as other legendary games, including the Magic City Classic and the Bayou Classic—is more than just football. “This game is not only good for the players, but for the fans as well. You have the bands, the halftime shows and all the excitement. It’s just a great thing for everybody. I think the game has a chance to stay around a long time. I know the best is yet to come.”
Donald Hunt is a columnist for The Philadelphia Tribune. You can reach him at dhunt37261@aol.com.
Photos Courtesy Minnesota Vikings
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