"Frisman brings a great background as a player and a coach," UA head football coach Rob Ianello said. "He has played at the highest level in the offensive system we will run. He has the rare ability to translate success on the field as a player to having great vision and communication skills as a coach. I have been impressed with his presence, work ethic and ability to work with young men."

Jackson comes to Akron after two seasons (2008-09) as receivers coach at his alma mater Western Illinois. In Jackson's first season as a Leatherneck coach, then sophomore wide receiver Lito Senatus was named to the league's All-Newcomer Team. This past season, Senatus ranked 29th in NCAA FCS for receptions (5.9) and 39th in receiving yards (74.45 avg.)

Signing as an undrafted free agent, Jackson spent five seasons (2002-06) with the Cleveland Browns, playing receiver and serving on the special teams. He played in 34 games over his career, catching 40 passes with an average of 12.1 yards per reception. For 2007, he signed with the New York Jets.

Jackson played both quarterback and wide receiver for Western Illinois from 2000-01, setting a school records for receptions in a game (14) and receiving yards in a game (286) versus Indiana State. He additionally ranks third on the WIU single-season list for yards (1,047), seventh in single-season receptions (55) and eighth in touchdowns. Jackson began his collegiate career, playing quarterback for two seasons at Northern Illinois. For the Huskies, he completed 109-of-259 passes for 1,327 yards in his career. Jackson still ranks on the NIU single-game charts for his performance versus Western Michigan in the 1998 season opener when he completed 24-of-43 passes for 271 yards and three TDs with 300 yards of total offense.

Jackson is a 2004 Western Illinois graduate with a Board of Trustees degree and an emphasis on law enforcement and justice administration. While coaching at Western Illinois, Jackson began post-graduate work and is expected to receive his Master's in recreation, parks and tourism in 2010. He is married to the former Lindsey Hepner.

The Jackson File

Born: June 12, 1979

Hometown: Chicago, Ill.

High School: Morgan Park HS

Playing Experience: QB at Northern Illinois (1998-99); WR and QB at Western Illinois (2000-01); Cleveland Browns (2002-06).

Alma Mater: Western Illinois, 2004 (Board of Trustees degree with emphasis in Law Enforcement and Justice Admin.)

Master's: Western Illinois, expected completion 2010 (Recreation, Parks and Tourism)

Wife: The former Lindsey Hepner

Coaching History

208-09     Western Illinois (wide receivers)

2010        The University of Akron (wide receivers)