Exclusive Interview with Chargers UDFA DT Bijhon Jackson

The Washington Redskins selected WR Trey Quinn with the 256th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft on Saturday. The pick otherwise known as ‘Mr. Irrelevant’. Then, a frenzy begins. 32 teams scrambling the phones to offer undrafted hopefuls the chance of a try-out.

One thing is for sure, the Chargers are very, very good at it. For 21 consecutive years, they’ve found at least one player that makes it onto their opening 53 man roster. In 2017, the number was five. Some, made positive contributions, for example running back Austin Ekeler. Others made the headlines for the wrong reasons, like short-term kicker Younghoo Koo.

This year, the Chargers signed 21 players to have a look at over the next few months. One of those, was former Arkansas defensive tackle Bijhon Jackson. The lineman played 11 games in his senior year, accumulating 22 tackles, 2 tackles for losses and a sack.

I got the chance to chat to Jackson, before the start of Chargers rookie mini-camp:

Herd: Firstly, it’s been a long time since everyone has played a proper football game, how was your experience leading up to the draft?

Jackson: Just a moment of pure excitement and relief. Both my parents were a little upset when I didn’t get drafted, so they were emotional when they knew I was still gonna get my shot. I was just glad that all the waiting was over.

Jackson: The Chargers were a team that I didn’t hear from up to the draft, so it was a little bit of a surprise when they called, but definitely a pleasant one.