Versatility.

Something that redshirt (RS) sophomore defender Raymond Jackson has shown in his past three seasons at Colorado Mesa University (CMU).

As a defender, Jackson has been a big part of the reason that CMU was able to get five shutouts in a row this season. He has not only been an important part on the defensive side of the ball but on the offensive side as well.

“My role has definitely stepped up this year with helping the new guys on the team learn our system. I’ve also taken on a bigger offensive role than past years which has allowed us to score more goals,” Jackson said.

Jackson has been able to get the ball across the pitch in crucial situations for the Mavericks giving the currently ranked No.12 team an extra edge.

In the game against University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Jackson and RS junior defender Isa Trujilo were able to locate RS sophomore midfielder Colton Shafer for the Mavericks first goal of the game. It was Shafer’s goals that gave the Mavericks the momentum they needed to get to the 3-1 in the game.

“I think we’ve scored more for sure and with that I’ve become more of a threat offensively, that way our attack doesn’t only come from the left side anymore,” Jackson said.

Because Jackson has been a force on both side of the ball he is now becoming more of a threat for opposing teams because they never know what he is going to do.

“Ray causes problems for teams no matter where he is on the field. From defending, to streaking down the sidelines to contribute crosses and even the fact that his long throw-ins cause problems for defenses makes him a threat no matter where he is on the field,” RS junior goalkeeper Connor Durant said.

Something else that helps the Denver, Colo. native in improving his game is that he has good knowledge of the game and implies that to all parts of play. Durant talked about how as a goalkeeper he loves that Jackson is able to use his whole body to block shots and how fast he is able to recover from plays.

“A huge reason why our defense has been able to be successful this season is due to his knowledge of the game and his speed/athleticism. Sometimes I will think that he is beat but his speed is unreal and he is able to close down players and recover faster than your average defender which is huge and he always will put his body on the line to block shots which I love as a keeper,” Durant said.

Coming from Grandview High School and having many opportunities including playing for a state championship helped Jackson become more comfortable with the pressure faced with playing at a higher level of play.

“ I would definitely say that coming from Grandview high school helped me become more of a leader and helped me deal with pressure because I had the chance to play in the State Final. Also, playing with the Rapids allowed me to learn from some of the best and has helped me become a quicker and smarter player,”

All these skills learned is what has made him the player and leader he has been throughout his time at CMU.

As the Mavericks regular season comes to a close the team looks to make it far into the postseason with the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament beginning on Nov.7.