Is Steven Jackson ready for some football? Rams coach convinced he is

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo didn't have to wait for the opening of training camp to assess running back Steven Jackson's state of readiness.

Spagnuolo spotted Jackson running on a treadmill at Rams Park late one night a few days before the start of camp.

"I thought he was great when he came through the door two days ago,'' Spagnuolo said. "He was on the treadmill at 10 o'clock one night before we even started, so I think he's ready."

Jackson said he was trying to sneak in a workout after everyone had left Rams Park.

"I had been on the West Coast for four or five weeks and I wanted to get acclimated to the climate again, and the time zone, and just get those nervous jitters out,'' Jackson said. "It was a good thing to get on the treadmill. I tried to come late. I didn't expect anyone to be here, but, of course, coach is a hard worker and he caught me."

Jackson enters the 2009 season with a feeling of optimism after two disappointing seasons.

"Yes, the feeling is definitely back,'' Jackson said. "I am really excited to get started this year. Two-fourteen (the Rams' 2008 record) is definitely in the rear, and we're really looking forward to the season and what we can do with it."

Jackson has rushed for just over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, though he's missed eight games during that same span because of injuries.

Jackson said his offseason regiment included more serious weight training this year.

"The only thing I really did differently than I have in the past is I really approached weight training a lot more aggressive than I have in the past,'' Jackson said. "The past three or four years I really focused on trying to just work conditioning and make sure my lungs are strong, but this year I really focused on weight lifting and making sure I am strong.''

Asked whether he feels leaner, Jackson said, "My body fat is still five percent. But, I do feel leaner."

Jackson said he actually wants to take some hits in training camp in preparation of the rigors of the regular season,

"(I) definitely want to get some hits early,'' Jackson said. "Get the body ready ... wake it up. It is football time, and as the season approaches, kind of back off and (then when) Week 1 comes, amp it back up."

Jackson said he was looking forward to playing in the West Coast offense for the first time.

"Well, you just have a balance,'' Jackson said. "You make sure when you throw the ball, your completing passes, protecting (quarterback) Marc (Bulger). When he calls some running plays, that we get 4-5 yards. Keep moving the chains."

With a new coaching staff and a roster that has been heavily overhauled, Jackson said one of his focuses during training camp is getting to know everyone.

"There are new faces around here,'' Jackson said. "You want to get to know everyone, and that's from the locker room all the way up to the front office. And it's definitely a different feel. Football is first around here now, and everyone is committed to winning. We're really trying to stick to not playing anyone above the team."