Published: June 06, 2008 07:57 pm      

BUFFALO BILLS: More than a fantasy for Freddy Jackson

Running back is ready for another big season

ORCHARD PARK — Forget his 115-yard game against the Miami Dolphins. Or his six catches in the season finale against Philadelphia.

The moment when it finally sunk in that Freddy Jackson had become a legitimate National Football League running back came after the season when Jackson got a call from his brother.

“He was so excited, not just because of my season,” Jackson said after a recent organized team activity at Ralph Wilson Stadium. “But because I scored him some points in his fantasy league.”

Jackson’s surprising ascension from training camp mop-up duties to legitimate NFL contributor are the stuff fairy tales are made of. Undrafted out of Coe College, the off-season has brought a new approach for Jackson, who will likely be an integral part of an offense that’s expected to take leaps this season.

While the success of a season where he amassed 490 total yards was nice, Jackson said he’s gunning for even more opportunities.

“You get a little more comfortable after being here a little while, definitely,” Jackson said. “It seems like the coaching staff is more comfortable with me too. Now that I understand a little better what we’re doing, I think they feel good about putting me in places I hadn’t been.”

For example, Jackson's speed worked well coming out of the backfield, so he started to find himself on the field on third downs as the season progressed. During OTAs on Thursday, Jackson made a nice grab on a slant pattern while working the middle of the field in 7-on-7 drills.

Others like Dwayne Wright are vying for time in the backfield, although coach Dick Jauron admitted that Wright “has got a ways to go,” on Friday.

That should leave more chances for Jackson, who has taken to his friendly rivalry with Marshawn Lynch.

“During the off-season, I call Marshawn three or four times a week,” Jackson said. “We feed off this thing. He wants to do well and I want him to, too. We want to be able to get in film sessions and say, ‘Look what I did.’ ”

But while the running and catching had come naturally to Jackson, the second-year back knows what will keep in the NFL — hard work. He said the thing most casual fans don’t understand is the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the off-season.

“It’s all about the weight room,” Jackson said. “You’ve got to spend time in there if you want to get better.”

Jackson said he spend plenty of time there this off-season, and is expecting to see the reward this fall.

And as for his brother, will he again pick him this fantasy draft?

“He told the guys he’s got a claim on me,” Jackson said. “Nobody else can take me.”