Giles

Jackson

Jackson (5'9/188) posted a 24-309-1 receiving line while logging 186 snaps across two years with the Wolverines. Those numbers might not leap off the page, but throw in the sophomore’s upside as a special teams return man -- he led the Big Ten in average kick return in 2020 -- and you’ve got a pretty useful player. The former four-star prospect should see immediate work in the return game and will challenge for playing time in the slot on offense.

Jackson (5'9/188) hits the transfer portal having posted a 24-309-1 receiving line across two years with the Wolverines. Those numbers might not leap off the page, but throw in the sophomore’s upside as a special teams return man -- he led the Big Ten in average kick return in 2020 -- and there figures to be a healthy market for his services. Assuming he doesn’t reverse course on his portal move.

Jackson (5'9/188), who signed with the Wolverines as a running back, has big-play ability on both offense and special teams. But Michigan State managed to keep the freshman in check for much of the afternoon, as 20 of his 58 receiving yards were gained on one play. Jackson was also responsible for 75 kick return yards (three returns) and 31 punt return yards (two returns) on the day. Jackson was one of three Michigan players that caught at least five passes in the loss, with Roman Wilson (five receptions, 71 yards) and Cornelius Johnson (five receptions, 52 yards) being the others. None managed to reach the end zone however, and they’ll look to avoid a similar fate next weekend when the Wolverines visit Indiana.

Jackson (5'8/175) is considered one of the fastest running backs in the class, which helps make up for the lack of ideal size. The four-star tailback was also considering schools like Oregon and Colorado, but the Wolverines were considered a heavy favorite by most analysts. He’s also a gifted pass-catcher, so he should be able to make an impact on the Michigan offense in various ways. With the addition of Jackson, Michigan now has the 10th ranked class according to 247 Sports, and tops in the Big Ten.

Simmons refers to the 5-foot-8, 175-pound Jackson as a “space nightmare” and notes that he’s a potential big-time weapon if he can settle in with a creative offensive team at the college level, as he brings a wealth of versatility to the table. Not only as a runner, but also as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and as a slot receiver. Michigan, Oregon, Oregon State and USC are all teams to watch for Jackson’s eventual pledge.