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The freshman 15.

It's the dreaded 15 pounds most college freshmen gain in their first academic year.

For Warren G. Harding graduate Desmar Jackson, it wasn't seen as a detriment. In fact, it became an asset to the talented University of Wyoming freshman guard.

The 6-foot-5, 193-pound guard said he actually gained 18 pounds in the offseason in Laramie, Wyo.

"I finish more at the basket, get more 'and ones' and stuff like that," said Jackson, an undecided major who said he is carrying a 3.0 grade-point average.

Wyoming coach Heath Schroyer said he was very excited to get the Harding standout on the roster.

"He has an ability to make plays. He's very gifted naturally. He's very gifted physically," Schroyer said. "He has the ability to make plays on both ends of the floor. The biggest key for him is to channel that, understand that and continue to play the college game. His ability to make plays on both ends of the floor has been apparent to me from day one. Every day I leave practice I tell myself, 'The sky's the limit for this kid.' As he continues to learn the system and how defenses rotate at this level, I think he can be a really, really good player."

Jackson, who mainly plays at the point behind redshirt sophomore JayDee Luster (5-9, 165), said he'll see some playing time. But, Jackson doesn't solely rely on his natural abilities. He, like most talented players, works beyond the practice time on the floor.

"The thing I'm most happy with is he's a great guy. He's a great teammate," Schroyer said. "All the guys love him. He comes to practice every day wanting to learn, spends time after practice watching film. He's learning to be a student of the game. I couldn't be happier with him."

Also, Jackson knows there are parts of his game which need improvement for him to help the Cowboys compete for the Mountain West championship - mistakes he made playing in high school.

"I had to slow down, don't create too many turnovers on offense - slow down and make the smart pass," he said.

In addition, if there were any trace of homesickness for Jackson, Schroyer hasn't seen it. Jackson said he remains in close contact with Harding coach Steve Arnold and former teammate and Youngstown State University freshman Sheldon Brogdon.

"Not an instant," Schroyer said. "He smiles, laughs every day. We have a really group of guys. I couldn't be happier with our locker room overall."

Actually, Jackson isn't the only one from Ohio on the roster. Sophomore A.J. Davis (Columbus) and freshman Daylen Harrison (Akron) are on the roster. Schroyer would like to get all three of them back to Ohio for a game. The Cowboys host the University of Akron this year, but played in Ohio against the Zips last season.

"We're trying," said Schroyer, whose team opens the regular season tonight against South Dakota State at home. "For us to get games is really hard. One of the priorities in the next couple of years is bringing these Ohio kids home so their family and friends can watch them play in person."

jvargo@tribtoday.com