November 4th, 2015 at 2:37 PM ^
Ypsi has had some great track teams before, swimming and gymnastics at times as well.
But with their horrible financial planning (Ypsilanti Schools), there have been so many schools closings, they've merged with Willow Run, etc.. So who knows now.
But, by and large, great coaches (and teachers) change programs (and lives) wherever they go.
The level of competence/ineptitude of coaching and teaching at the high school-level runs the full gamut, from great to complete unreal incompetence.
A great leader can make all the difference in the world.
November 5th, 2015 at 8:23 AM ^
Ypsilanti is not a powerhouse football school. However, they have a class of 2016 kid named Marquis Smith who is committed to Kansas. He's a dual-threat QB type, but he has been getting some communication from Michigan, and I like him as an athlete (WR, CB, etc.). Fred Jackson won't ever coach him because he's a senior this year, but it may provide a small connection if Michigan extends an offer late in the process.
November 5th, 2015 at 6:20 PM ^
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November 4th, 2015 at 2:27 PM ^
Boy, you wouldn't believe the talent over here in Ypsi. I know I've only been on the job for twenty minutes, but it's clear I have a few guys who could start at Michigan right now with their blend of speed, smarts, and strength. Great talents.
November 4th, 2015 at 2:17 PM ^
November 4th, 2015 at 2:19 PM ^
has started!
November 4th, 2015 at 2:34 PM ^
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November 4th, 2015 at 2:52 PM ^
I lived in Ypsi about a year or so. With 20,000 residents, plus pulling from Willow Run, they have the potential to have some good teams. I'd truly love to see Fred succeed. I've loved seeing what Elliot Uzelac has done at Benton Harbor. It'd be wonderful to see something similar happen in Ypsi.
November 4th, 2015 at 2:56 PM ^
I actually wondered if he would do something like this, go and work with a high school in the area. Something about Fred Jackson says to me that he would be good as a coach and mentor at this level, and even better that it is close to home too.
To add to some of the discussion above, Jason Lamar, who plays in the CFL but went to Toledo, is an Ypsi grad, as is Rodney Holman, who spent the latter part of his career with the Detroit Lions.
November 4th, 2015 at 3:15 PM ^
Walt Church.
November 4th, 2015 at 3:07 PM ^
You never know when the next 4 or 5 star recruit will come out of Ypsi. Then Fred's new position suddenly become important.
November 4th, 2015 at 3:26 PM ^
There have been some great football players that have come out of Ypsi High through the years, including Rodney Holman (tight end for the Bengals and Lions for years, played at Tulane) and Eric Ball (UCLA stud running back, also played for the Bengals).
Michigan has also had some great Ypsi players, including:
Carlitos Bostic - linebacker for Bo in the mid-to-late 80s.
Mike Bass - defensive back in the 1970s. He's most famous for being the guy who caught Garo Yepremian's pass in Super Bowl VII and returned it for a touchdown.
Send the next great Ypsi player our way, Coach Jackson!
November 4th, 2015 at 3:36 PM ^
bet he missed coaching and now he is back. go get them fred.
November 4th, 2015 at 4:24 PM ^
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November 4th, 2015 at 4:28 PM ^
November 4th, 2015 at 5:39 PM ^
Seriously, good luck to Fred and his team.
November 4th, 2015 at 5:45 PM ^
When reached for comment, Fred Jackson said, "I chose to coach at Ypsilanti HS because their running backs are the best I've ever seen in my coaching career. They are faster than Ty Wheatley and have better vision and toughness than Mike Hart. We have multiple future Heisman and Doak Walker award winners on this team."
/s
In all seriousness, congrats on the next step, Coach Jackson.
November 4th, 2015 at 5:55 PM ^
If he wins big there, they should rename the Super Bowl trophy after him. Only half joking, because Ypsi High is a very difficult gig.
November 4th, 2015 at 6:18 PM ^
Football team sucked but a couple guys I played with went D1 (not a P5 team though).
Go Braves, rock the purple and gold.
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November 4th, 2015 at 7:19 PM ^
November 4th, 2015 at 7:22 PM ^
I am sure the kids will be excited. Hopefully he helps the ones who are good enough get to playing college ball.
November 4th, 2015 at 11:54 PM ^
Back in the day as I recall, Ypsi had the reputation of having good athletic talent- enough to be considered dangerous- but undisciplined. They often didn't play sound- which made them difficult to figure out and prepare for.
I hope that Coach Jackson surrounds himself with some good assistants, and his father figure persona brings out the best in his players. God bless him for carrying on his life's work of helping boys grow into becoming men.
November 5th, 2015 at 7:54 AM ^