CHICAGO, Ill. – After anchoring a defense that held Charleston Southern to just 81 yards in the second half and scoring two touchdowns, Brendan Jackson has earned a spot on the FedEx Ground FCS National Defensive Honorable Mention Team for Week 12, announced by The Analyst on Monday, Nov. 20.
 
Jackson terrorized the Bucs in Gardner-Webb's 34-10 win over CSU on Saturday, recording seven tackles, four solo, including 3.5 tackles-for-loss. With Charleston Southern driving early in the game down just 13-7, Jackson's tackle behind the line forced the Bucs into a field goal, keeping GWU in front.
 
The Statesboro, Ga. native also flexed his muscle on the offensive side of the ball, recording two rushing touchdowns, including the first touchdown of the day, on just two carries. For the season, Jackson has scored four rushing touchdowns, the most offensive touchdowns in a season by a defensive player since defensive end Harold Wells scored eight rushing touchdowns in 2004.
 
Jackson finished the 2023 regular season with 66 tackles, the second-most on the team, with 11.5 tackles-for-loss, four sacks, and one interception.
 
It is the first time in Jackson's career that he has earned FedEx Ground FCS National Defensive Honorable Mention Team honors.
 
Cirby Coheley of Abilene Christian was named FedEx Ground National Defensive Player of the Week.
 
Gardner-Webb now prepares for the postseason, traveling to Macon, Ga. To face #17 Mercer in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. Kickoff is set for 3:00 P.M.