NC State sophomore defensive end Savion Jackson admitted that he played more last year than he expected.

The former Clayton (N.C.) High standout, who Rivals.com ranked as a three-star prospect, was able to make eight appearances and make eight tackles and one tackle for loss. The experience could prove beneficial as the 6-foot-3, 265-pound Jackson battles for a starting defensive end spot this spring and summer.

“We are just ready to start the whole new thing over, and start fresh and work hard,” Jackson said.

Jackson was able to get his body ready for the rigors of being an ACC starting defensive end during strength and conditioning workouts this winter. He figures he’s around the low 270s for weight.

“I’ve definitely gotten stronger and faster and in more condition,” Jackson said. “We’ve gone crazy this offseason.”

Jackson was able to glean info from NCSU senior defensive ends James Smith-Williams and Deonte Holden, plus defensive lineman Larrell Murchison.

“Freshman year I played a lot,” Jackson said. “I know I wasn’t ready to step into a starting role or anything like that. Just playing behind them, I started to get more confidence.”

With three other defensive ends leaving the program since November, plus the two seniors, the time for Jackson to shine could be now.

“I just know what to expect,” Jackson said. “Mentally is the biggest thing that I’ve been working on. If you aren’t there mentally, you can’t take on the role of having a lot mentally of being a starter or the team trusting you.”

Jackson’s recruiting class included three other defensive lineman, which has given hope to the Wolfpack defensive line.

“We fantasize about the things we want to do,” Jackson said. “We have a lot of goals we want to hit.”

Defensive tackles Joshua Harris and C.J. Clark and defensive end Terrell Dawkins have big reputations from the prep ranks.

“All those guys were able to get reps one way or another throughout the season last year,” NCSU head coach Dave Doeren said. “Terrell Dawkins had a great offseason and we look for him to step up and help us. Obviously, Savion and Joshua were able to play in games. C.J. Clark, this is the first time he is getting extended reps because of his injury last year. We are going to need all four of those guys.” gotten reps.

Jackson was originally recruited to play defensive end in the 4-3 scheme and had Kevin Patrick as his defensive line coach He now has former Virginia Tech defensive line coach Charley Wiles and the Wolfpack are switching to a 3-3-5.

“I’m the kind of person that whatever comes to me, I can handle it,” Jackson said. “I wont’ shy away from it and will attack it 100 percent.”

Wiles recruited Jackson early in his prep career at Clayton High.

“It all worked out,” Jackson said. “I always wanted him as a coach back then when I was getting recruited by Virginia Tech. I ended up coming here. Now that he is here, I’m loving it.”

Jackson is also proud of his mother Renada for creating a non-profit called My Sister’s Keeper United, which can be found on Facebook.

“Her whole entire life she’s wanted to do something like that,” Savion Jackson said. “It is like a domestic violence type of thing. It is to help women. It just started up and it’s going to take off at some point.”

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