Injured Aztec Alfred Jackson Will Switch to Cornerback

Alfred Jackson, San Diego State’s injured senior split end, has become the latest Aztec to make the switch to defense from offense.

Jackson said he was asked Thursday by Coach Denny Stolz to move to cornerback until he can return as a receiver.

Jackson had been ruled out for at least 3 weeks and possibly the season after dislocating 2 fingers on his right hand Saturday night against Wyoming.

The injury prevents Jackson from catching a football, but he might be able to knock down balls as a defensive back, if the compound dislocation of his middle finger can be padded sufficiently, trainer Don Kaverman said.

Kaverman said Jackson will not play Saturday night against Hawaii but might be ready to play his new position the following Saturday at Colorado State.

This is the second switch for Jackson, who played cornerback as a freshman but reluctantly moved to receiver when Stolz took over in 1986. He has become the Aztecs’ best deep threat with 63 catches for 887 yards and 11 touchdowns in 3 seasons.

Jackson expressed some reservations about his latest move.

“You want to play (defensive back),” Jackson said. “They switch you to receiver, and when you get used to that, they switch you again. It’s kind of hard to take.”

The Aztecs received encouraging news about 2 other injuries. Outside linebacker Kevin Maultsby, who partially separated his shoulder Wednesday in practice, might be able to play against Hawaii. Inside linebacker Emmett Flores, who has not been on the field since undergoing reconstructive knee surgery last season, practiced for the first time.