Jackson attempts to profit from NFL Combine

When invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine were sent out to prospective draft picks, Missouri defensive end Xzavie Jackson figured that he would be one of three or four Tigers going.

Instead, Jackson was the only Tiger invited.

“I’m real surprised,” Jackson said, “We’ve got a lot of athletes — Dedrick Harrington, David Overstreet.

I’m surprised one of them wasn’t selected over me.”

Brian Smith, who played at the other defensive end position, is still recovering from the fractured hip he suffered Oct. 21 against Kansas State. He is projected as a pass-rushing linebacker in the NFL.

Jackson recorded eight sacks and 40 solo tackles in 2006 despite missing the season opener against Murray State for disciplinary reasons. When asked how he would grade his season, Jackson wasn’t too pleased with his performance. He said that he could have made more impact plays like the interception he returned for a touchdown against Texas Tech.

“Being real hard on myself, I would have to say a ‘C-plus,’” Jackson said. “I could have made more plays and gotten the critical sacks.”

The Combine, which Jackson starts today, could be the boost to his draft status that he is looking for. Many players have benefited from it, seeing their draft status rise dramatically with stellar performances. The most notable example is defensive end Mike Mamula. In 1995 he was a relative unknown before the combine, but because of his strong-showing, he was the seventh pick in the draft.

On the other hand, a poor performance at the Combine, such as a subpar 40-yard dash or fewer repetitions in the bench press test, can send players sliding down teams’ draft boards.

To prepare for the Combine, Jackson said he has been working out seven days a week with assistant strength and conditioning coach Antwan Floyd. He has also been watching film on Wednesdays.

“I’m hoping this improves my stock. I don’t know where I’ll get selected. I just want a chance to play,” Jackson said.

According to FOXSports.com, Jackson is ranked as the 20th best defensive end prospect and the 230th overall prospect. Sigmund Bloom of Footballguys.com called Jackson’s spin move “NFL quality” while scouting practices for the Texas vs. The Nation college football all-star game. The opinion of most draft analysts is that Jackson will be a second-day draft pick.

“I want to be a complete player,” Jackson said. “I want to have the coach leave me out there on every play.”

JOHNSON LEAVES TEAM: Cornerback Domonique Johnson has decided to leave the Missouri football team. Missouri Athletics Department spokesman Chad Moller said Johnson, who would have been a redhirt junior next season, will not return to the Tigers because of personal reasons.

Johnson started four games at cornerback in 2006, missing several games after suffering a knee injury against Colorado. Johnson had two interceptions and 17 tackles for Missouri, which ended the season as the No. 3 ranked defense in the Big 12 in yards allowed. Johnson returned five kickoffs for the Tigers in the 2005 season, averaging 15.4 yards per return.