Former West Ashley grads making an impact

It would be hard to find two players on Charleston Southern's football roster closer than starting linebackers Fred Godfrey and David Jackson.

Both are redshirt juniors and have known each other nearly all of their lives. The pair played together locally at West Ashley High School -- Godfrey as a linebacker and Jackson as a safety.

Jackson came to Charleston Southern as a scholarship player while Godfrey came as a walk-on, sitting out his freshman year while getting his academic house in order. Now, both start at linebacker. Godfrey is the team's leading tackler after four games while Jackson is close behind.

"They are both outstanding young men, leaders on and off the field," said Charleston Southern head coach Jay Mills. "They are grounded young men, selfless individuals who lead in everything they do.

"Fred came in and had to get his academics in order and he did that. He started at the bottom of the ladder as a walk-on and eventually he earned a partial scholarship. He kept working hard and kept improving and he earned a full scholarship.

"David has become an excellent linebacker. Seeing him on film in high school, he had the RH factor -- he could run and hit. He's added size and strength, and now his best football is still ahead of him."

Godfrey and Jackson are not only teammates, but also fraternity brothers. The relationship has become a source of strength for each player.

"We're very close," said Godfrey. "We think so much alike. We know how each other plays and we bring out the best in each other. We've been friends forever and I think that helps us on and off the field. We have each other's back."

Godfrey currently has 13 more tackles than Jackson but Jackson has plans on catching his best friend. The healthy competition has made both players work harder.

"We have eight games left so I'll catch him," says Jackson with a big smile. "We push each other and we feed off each other. We both want to make the tackle but as long as one of does, it's cool. I started outside and he was inside but now we're both inside so it's just a matter of who gets there first."

For Godfrey, sitting out a year made him realize the importance of doing the right things in the classroom. The year off helped mature him, says Mills.

"Academics have not been a problem since," said the coach. "He understands what it takes to be a college athlete and a college student. We're very proud of what he has accomplished and we're so happy he has another year."

Jackson had a few more opportunities coming out of high school but says staying local was the right choice.

"Charleston Southern has turned out to be a great fit for me personally, and for my family," said the 6-2, 230-pounder. "Fred and I, we have so many family and friends in the stands every Saturday. It's a good feeling. I've learned to enjoy every minute of it because it can end at any time."

Mills hopes having local products producing at a high level will help attract even more local talent to the Buccaneer program.

"Since I arrived here we have definitely focused locally but we haven't had the success early in terms of attracting the players here," said the coach. "I think we have slowly changed the perception of our program in the area and people see that we are committed to being a quality program at the highest level. With young men like David and Fred playing well and having such an impact on campus and in the community, that can only help our efforts locally."