UAlbany’s Jackson Ambush is all about action. It shows everything about a football player.

“We’ve been excited,” Ambush said. “Boys have been juiced. We’re just counting down the days.”

It’s how the sophomore linebacker has been leading the Great Danes this summer, whether being the first one on the field or getting the defense fired up when there’s a lull.

“You know, I’ll just start chirping to the offense and once they start rolling, the boys are on board,” Ambush said. “We just get that energy back, something just to ignite the fire.”

Just the right player to lead UAlbany on what he calls a revenge tour this year. The Great Danes finished 2-9 last season and was picked 12th in the CAA preseason poll.

But Ambush was named to the Preseason All-Conference Team.

“I mean, it’s preseason,” said Ambush, on the honor. “You all haven’t played the season yet. It’s just something I guess to have. I don’t really dwell on it too much.”

“He’s just the kind of guy you want on your football team,” said head coach Greg Gattuso.

He says players have great respect for the way Ambush leads and works with his younger teammates. Ambush had 97 tackles last season from a position that Gattuso expects to be very busy again.

“He was great last year as a young kid in his first year starting, and I expect him to be at the level of player every week. First team all-conference, he’s certainly capable,” Gattuso said.

Plus, it’s likely a good thing to have a guy named Ambush on your team at linebacker.

“Last name Ambush, I got plenty of names. They call me Captain America,” said Ambush, on his unique last name.

No matter the nickname, offenses will be very familiar with the Great Danes middle linebacker.  

UAlbany opens its season Saturday in Waco, Texas against Big 12 and Sugar Bowl champion Baylor Bears.