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LINCOLN — Scary. In a good way.

This isn’t a description DaiShon Neal gives out commonly about anyone, let alone a guy he works with during defensive-line drills. But it’s how the Omaha Central graduate sees Damian Jackson, a 25-year-old freshman walk-on and former Navy SEAL whose no-nonsense demeanor has drawn the praise of coaches and teammates alike since he arrived in the spring.

“He’s a real quiet guy,” Neal said. “That’s what makes him scary — you never know what he’s thinking.”

Neal told a story following Tuesday’s practice about the close bond the two formed during the summer. A 6-foot-7, 275-pound sophomore who needed pushing during runs, Neal gravitated toward the 6-1, 245-pound Jackson, who perpetually seemed to be going full speed.

“He was always there,” Neal said. “When I was feeling on the brink of passing out or just trying to quit, he was always like, ‘C’mon, you got this.’ He’s really good.