Dwight Jackson is in his third year with McNeese and will coach the linebackers alongside defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro.
The linebacker room in 2023 included All-American linebacker Micah Davey who led the nation in total tackles (153), tackles per game (15.3) and solo tackles per game (8.3), all with a 10-game season. Davey was named an All-American by six different organizations, including first team honors by the AFCA and Walter Camp. He also finished seventh in the voting for the Buck Buchanan Award which is presented to the top defensive player in the FCS.
In 2022, Jackson coached Kordell Williams, who earned first team All-Southland Conference honors and was a finalist for the FCS Buck Buchanan Award. Williams ranked second in the league and 13th in the FCS with 108 total tackles.
Jackson, who coached the 2021 season with Goff at Valdosta State and the linebackers, coached at talented crew in Titletown that included 2nd Team All-GSC selection Nick Moss. Moss led the Blazers with 121 total tackles on the year and had 4.5 tackles for a loss.
Jackson got his coaching start at Stetson in 2020 as a defensive quality control assistant.
A native of Stockton, Calif., Jackson completed requirements for his degree in Business from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, in the spring of 2020. While in school, he was a member of the football program for five years, serving as a team captain in both 2018 and 2019.
As a linebacker on the field, he saw action in 32 games in his career, recording a total of 103 tackles. Much of his on-field success came during his senior campaign when he had 63 total tackles, including 4.5 sacks and 6.5 total tackles for loss.
Off the field, Jackson was an AFCA Good Works Team nominee three times in recognition for his volunteerism in the community. He received the Paul and Helen Perdue Community Service Award twice and served as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee throughout his time, including serving as SAAC President during the 2018-19 academic year.
His volunteer activities included founding the Bryant Montessori Recess Program where he organized student-athletes in providing structured games and activities for middle school students while teaching them teamwork and sportsmanship; coordinating the SAAC Coin Drive; volunteering with the Tacoma City Marathon, participating in the SAAC Trick-or-Can Food Drive and working with the University of Puget Sound Special Olympics program.
While also playing on the team, Jackson served as an office intern for the football program from 2017-19, assisting with recruiting, construction of special teams playbooks, working camps and assisting in the equipment room. He also had three years of experience as a member of the game day staff for the Seattle Mariners.
