Domani

Jackson

Jackson is coming off a down year in which he defended just one pass. He logged nine in 2024, along with two interceptions, 52 tackles and two TFLs. A knee injury suffered in Jackson’s high school senior season slowed his development. It was reported locally as a torn tendon and as a “patella injury” by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Jackson reportedly reinjured the knee as a college freshman, and it bothered him throughout the 2022 season. The former record-setting high school sprinter encouragingly clocked a 4.41-second 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine and measured in at 6’1/194.

Jackson (6'1/185) announced on Friday that he had signed with USC, and becomes the third top-50 player in 247Sports’ composite rankings to sign with the Trojans. Jackson is a native of Santa Ana, California, and is the no. 2 ranked defensive back in his class per 247Sports, and the no. 7 ranked player in the nation overall. In addition to his football acumen, Jackson also brings track speed to the Trojans, and posted a 4.51 40-yard dash as a freshman. Jackson is scheduled to play in the Under Armour All-America Game on January 2nd, and will also be playing in the Polynesian Bowl on January 22nd. He had also fielded offers from Alabama, Michigan, Arkansas and Clemson among others high-profile programs.

Once committed to USC, Jackson (6'1/185) still has the Trojans in play, having them and Alabama in his top two. After visiting Bama on two occasions, Jackson decided to de-commit but never fully ruled out the Trojans. On his Twitter today, Jackson announced that the two schools would be the ones he will decide between. He spoke about his decision and credited new USC head coach Lincoln Reilly for blowing up his phone once he got to USC. That helped the Trojans climb back into the race for Jackson, which was thought to be a battle between USC and Michigan. Jackson will be announcing his decision on December 15th.

Jackson (6'1/185) made the announcement Sunday via his personal Twitter. The five-star recruit is considered to be one of the defensive backs of the 2022 class. He committed to USC in late January, but he previously had two separate visits to Alabama, and there were rumors swirling at the time the Crimson Tide weren’t giving up on Jackson’s recruitment. Those were the rumors at the time, and there’s no indication if that was why he de-committed or if Alabama is still in the running for Jackson.

On his state championship winning run, Jackson (6'1/185) tied the all-time California state record held by Henry Thomas of Hawthorne High School that he set way back in 1985. Despite being committed to USC since late-January, the five-star defensive back from Mater Dei HS has taken two separate visits to Alabama in the past month and there are rumors swirling that the Crimson Tide aren’t giving up on Jackson’s recruitment without a fight despite his current pledge. Jackson ranks as a consensus top-five recruit in the 2022 class.

Jackson (6'1/185) remains all-in on his verbal commitment to USC, but one couldn’t blame Trojan fans who may be a bit nervous given recent developments. The five-star defensive back from Mater Dei HS took an unofficial visit to Alabama this past weekend, and spoke quite highly of his experience. “They literally have everything you need to be successful. It’s not just what they have, it’s how they keep you accountable and how hard you work,” Jackson told 247Sports. “They can track every rep you take and see if you’re maximizing your velocity and how hard you’re working. The nutrition program is incredible too, it’s all there for you to be successful.” At this point Jackson, who was a high school teammate of Alabama QB Bryce Young, plans to take official visits to Alabama and USC this fall.

There has been a low buzz around Alabama as a still-nagging contender for Jackson throughout the offseason after he announced in USC’s favor back in January. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound cornerback is a Cali native, which would make a flip to the Crimson Tide sting all the more. But first thing’s first, the Tide have to knock their pitch out of the park. The Jackson family has been vocal about their uncertainty around a potential move down south due to concerns over the social environment. His father, Randy Jackson, told the LA Times’ Ryan Kartje that Domani had “never really been exposed” to racism while growing up and that there is some uncertainty as to a fit with Alabama. That makes his mid-June visit all the more worth monitoring when it rolls around in a few weeks. Jackson ranks as a consensus top-five recruit in the 2022 class.

Jackson (6'1/185) initially pledged to USC in January. Per Gorney, though, the Santa Ana, California, native looks to be hearing Alabama out in their pitch. At this juncture, consider this rumor milling to be smoke, rather than fire. But things could well spark in Bama’s favor with oh so many months to go before December’s early signing period. Rivals ranks Jackson as the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2021 class.

Per 247 Sports’ composite ranking, Jackson is the top CB in the class and the third-best player period. Only QB Quinn Ewers (Ohio State) and DT Walter Nolen (uncommitted) currently sit above Jackson. At 6-foot-1 and 185-pounds, Jackson already has perfect size for the position and uses his length exceptionally well to bother opposing wide receivers. Jackson also brings plenty of speed and burst, giving him the tools necessary to close on passes from anywhere. Jackson is just USC’s 4th 2022 commitment thus far.