DeSean Jackson, free your inner T.O.

We've reached interesting territory with DeSean Jackson. Philly is certain the rookie receiver is destined for greatness. It's one of the few things - aside from believing Mets fans should be tarred, sprinkled with Phanatic feathers, and made to dance for our amusement - that we can all agree on.

Regardless of the fact that he has yet to catch a pass that matters, Jackson's legend grows bigger each day. Soon, someone will tell you he's not only fast but that he also invented pasteurization and can recite Pi backward on a bet.

With everyone genuflecting in Jackson's presence, there have been questions about whether his ego will be kept to a manageable size.

Jackson was in the locker room recently when I watched him exchange a sloppy, incredibly awkward manshake with WIP's hirsute Howard Eskin. You know the maneuver: the one-armed backslap/chest bump/handshake employed by guys everywhere. It was like that scene in Starsky & Hutch when one says "I like your moves," and the other says "I like your style."

Like that, but more unnerving and less funny.

Thereafter, Jackson was going on about being a humble person who enjoys being humble and enjoys eating pie but only of the humble variety. I'm paraphrasing. Then, when asked if he'd gotten any feedback from the fans, he added: "Oh, yeah. When I'm out, people are noticing me, telling me how great I am, how happy they are that I'm an Eagle." Pause. "I just want to stay humble. I'm a humble guy."

I mean this in all seriousness: I hope Jackson drops the false modesty and embraces his inner T.O. Since interviews stopped being conducted en masse during spontaneous driveway workouts, the Eagles have become soporific. They're a reflection of their coach, who will never be asked to play a lounge show in Vegas - or even Jersey.

As much as we pretend otherwise, we don't want bland and safe. It's why Randall Cunningham captivated when he was "back scrambling," why Buddy Ryan and Charles Barkley are revered to this day. Philly is hungry for a star receiver, but it's equally starved for a fresh Eagles story line that doesn't involve Donovan McNabb or dry heaving.

Jackson could provide the missing drama. Some outrageous quotes. A new nickname (uno cero?). Maybe work on his fly pattern with Alycia Lane. (What, too subtle?) Boom - instant entertainment as thrilling as watching Jackson shoot past Pacman and into the end zone.

Incidentally, making it rain at Delilah's would be a fine start. Think how the girls would appreciate it. Everyone wins that way.

Unbeknownst to me - and probably everyone who doesn't wear a fuzzy costume to work or know "Baby Elephant Walk" by heart - there's a Mascot Hall of Fame. It's true.

Also true: The St. Joe's Hawk is up for induction into the Hall. I talked to Tim Klarich, the St. Joe's senior who plays the feathered mascot this year, about the Hawk's chances of being enshrined.

Your brother also served as the Hawk. You guys are like the Manning family of mascots. Since you're younger, I think that makes you Eli. Sorry.

[Laughs] I was always so interested in the Hawk. It's funny how we both ended up in the same spot.

My favorite St. Joe's memory is from back in the '90s when the Hawk fought the Rhode Island Ram while flapping his wings. Any chance you'll trade shots with the Temple Owl?

Don't think so. But I'm a target from the start. Who doesn't want to keep the Hawk from flapping?

Frankly, you're up against inferior competition for induction into the Hall. The Syracuse Orange. The Miami Ibis. Cocky from South Carolina. I can't believe they named the mascot Cocky. You better not lose to Cocky.

Don't worry. The Hawk is the hardest-working mascot in college. He deserves to get into the Hall.

Being the Hawk has to make you a campus celebrity. Ever try to get chicks back to your nest to see your feather bed? . . . I admit to taking that shtick too far.

[Laughs] I have a girlfriend, but people think it's cool. I'm maybe a C-list celeb on a good day. Max.

Wait, you have a girlfriend in college? You still have so much to learn.

Cast your Hall of Fame ballot for the Hawk at www.mascothalloffame.com.

Voting ends Sept. 12.

Good time to be a degenerate gambler. Betus.com has posted some interesting odds for the upcoming NFL season: Specifically, which players will "rack up arrests." Fun.

No surprise that troubled Bengals receiver Chris Henry was installed as the 4/6 favorite. Also making the cut were Ray Lewis (Ravens-5/1), Steve Smith, (Panthers-5/1), Kellen Winslow (Browns-6/1), Randy Moss (Pats-10/1) and Ricky Williams (Dolphins-15/1).

Only one team, though, had two players on the list: Adam "Pacman" Jones (1/1) and Tank Johnson (2/1), both of whom play in Dallas.

Fantastic. Consider it the only time you're allowed to root for the Cowboys.

So

Adam Eaton

gets recalled from the minors and

Kris Benson

gets released? Benson may not be

Nolan Ryan,

but he's married to

Anna Benson,

which is why he should be here and Eaton shouldn't. . . . According to an areyouromantic.com study (sounds reputable, right?), 25 percent of fans would give up sex for a month in exchange for a Super Bowl win. Think that number is higher in Philly?

John Gonzalez has lived among cretins in Dallas and Boston. He's back home now, much to the chagrin of his friends and family. If you have a suggestion or time to kill until the next parade down Broad Street - which should be any %&$@! day - contact Gonzo at 215-854-2813 or gonzalez@phillynews.com.

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