NATCHEZ — When Southern Mississippi running back and Vidalia resident Eddie Ray Jackson left Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., after beating the 13th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in 1990, he had no idea that he had just defeated his son’s future team.

Jackson’s son, Bradley Sylve, who is from South Plaquemines High School in Port Sulphur, La., signed to play football at Alabama in February. Jackson said he was happy with his son’s decision and proud of his accomplishment.

“Who can complain (about Alabama)?” Jackson said. “That’s an A-1 school, with an A-1 coach. They are good academically and athletically. Who could ask for a better school?”

Sylve was heavily recruited and the process was a little hectic, Jackson said. But Jackson had experience with being a recruit and helped his son along the way, he said.

“(The recruiting process) was interesting but I am used to it,” Jackson said. “It was kind of hard on his mom (Micquella Crutchfield), because she had never experienced it before, but I was recruited (hard) when I was a senior so I’m used to it.”

Jackson was able to let his son know about the attention he would receive as a highly prized recruit.

“I just told him what to look out for, and that people are going to call at all hours, and visit you,” Jackson said.

Jackson wanted to make sure Sylve knew it was his decision, he said.

“I didn’t really want to get in the middle (of his recruitment), because when I was recruited I wanted to go where I knew I would be happy, so at least I would know I made the decision on my own,” Jackson said. “I wanted him to have the same freedom I had. I told him, ‘Make sure you understand it’s about you, not about your mom or me.’”

After Jackson’s career ended at Southern Miss, he made several attempts at a professional career, but came up empty, he said.

He tried out for a few NFL teams and did not make the cut. Jackson ended up in Canada playing in Saskatchewan until he suffered a career-ending injury, he said.

“I realized I had to let football go,” Jackson said. “I realized why so many pros go through (issues) once they can’t play anymore. At one point I was afraid to come home because I felt like I was a failure.”

Jackson’s experience in professional football was just more first-hand information he was able to pass on to his son.

“Going through the experience is key. There are so many ups and downs,” Jackson said. “I’m able to talk to (Sylve) on a real level and just shoot him straight.”

Sylve is currently enrolled at Alabama and started summer classes Tuesday. Jackson said he spoke with Sylve over the weekend.

“I told him not to get overloaded, but take enough classes to get nine or 12 hours,” Jackson said. “I told him to definitely work out while he’s there and just stay focused on his goals.”

Sylve’s speed is really what set him apart from many of the wide receivers in the 2011 recruiting class. Sylve, who is also a track star, ran a 10.18 in the 100-meter dash as a senior.

Jackson said he hopes for his son to continue his excellent track career.

Sylve was invited to participate in the Adidas Dream 100 at the Adidas Grand Prix track event in New York City June 11, Jackson said.

“I talked to him about running in the Dream 100. I told him to train because he hasn’t done track since (school ended),” Jackson said.

“That kind of opportunity only comes once in a lifetime, and I wanted him to have that in his résumé.”

Jackson believes Sylve has a shot at qualifying for the Olympic trials in the 100-meter, he said.

Sylve’s speed has always impressed his father, he said.

“He was something special to watch growing up,” Jackson said. “When he was about 9 or 10 years old, playing football, I knew he was something special. I remember one game he touched the ball five times and scored five touchdowns.

“Watching him at 9 years old, making those moves and outrunning everybody was amazing. Being a running back, it makes me want to cry. I thought, ‘That’s Eddie Ray all over again,’ but I didn’t have the speed he has.”

Jackson said Sylve is unsure about where he will fit in on Alabama’s roster this year as a true freshman, but he believes the opportunity is there, and Jackson knows his son will work hard.

“He does have a high confidence level, but he doesn’t show it,” Jackson said. “But, he’s a confident kid that works out and works for (his goals). You don’t have to make him work, it’s just something he wants to do.”

Jackson also hopes to see his son’s track career continue to blossom, and hope Sylve has an Olympic career in his future, he said. He believes with proper training, Sylve could lower his 100-meter dash time to less than 10 seconds.