Jackson Pleased With Bulldog Newcomers

RUSTON - Associate head coach Ed Jackson was in charge Tuesday night during Louisiana Tech`s two-hour session as head coach Jack Bicknell missed the second night of drills due to his speaking engagement at The Happening in Monroe. Jackson, who coaches the Bulldogs offensive line, said he was pleased with what he saw overall on the humid evening at the Jim Mize Track and Field. "We have some guys flying around out here," Jackson said. "They are all competing right now. That`s a good thing." The 13th year assistant coach at Tech said he has also been happy with what he has seen from a number of Bulldog newcomers on the defensive line. "(Freshmen) Eric Harris and D`Anthony Smith are going to be good," said Jackson, who must find replacements after losing five of his top six defensive linemen from a year ago. "They are only going to get better and better. They can help us. "(Junior college transfers) Jared Parten and Ben McGilten also provide some speed for us. They are bringing it. There are some good battles going on." Junior Josh Muse is the only returner on the defensive line that saw significant playing time last year. Tech returns to practice Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.