
Scouting Report |
A big, nasty dominant grinder who has the ability to step in right away and start for Alabama on the offensive line. Didn't enroll until the summer and by that time, Shank Taylor had a death grip on the right guard position. Not to mention a high ankle sprain that's put Jackson even farther behind. Nonetheless, when healthy, he can be a dominant run blocker, much like DJ Fluker. |
BigEasyTider's Take |
One of the more unheralded pick-ups of the 2014 class, but a huge addition at a need position. Jackson has a huge frame and carries his 310 pounds almost seamlessly, and he has the very long arms that you would expect with someone who checks in at 6'7. Physically, you couldn't ask for a better build. This is a kid who could realistically play seven or eight years in the NFL. Played in a run heavy offense on the JUCO level, so pass work definitely needs refinement, and that will likely keep him at OG in 2014, but he has the ability to play inside or out, and it's feasible to think that he may be our starting right tackle in 2015. Even though he didn't arrive until August, he was a critical signee and looks to be a key cog of the offensive line. Big concern here for the time being is not ability, but health and acclimation, and to that end the sprained ankle he suffered in the first scrimmage is going to hurt his cause for a bit. As a result, he might not start from the outset -- I initially had him pegged as the starting RG for the opener against WVU -- but he's going to factor in sooner rather than later, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the starting lineup by late September. Unless Leon Brown or Shank really take off at RG, then Jackson is likely to be a starter this season, and he may even end up at LG if Arie Kouandjio's injury and consistency issues persist. Once he gets acclimated and healthy, it's going to be very tough to keep this kid on the bench. |
runtheoption22's Take |
Had he arrived in January, we'd be talking about an All-SEC season. Combined with the ankle injury, we are now talking about him being the 6th OL this season. Can he still get it together and push for a starting job? Sure. He is as good a run blocker as you will see coming out of JUCO. He has the length to play LT, but not the polish in the pass blocking just yet to play there. |
WMack4Bama's Take |
Had some trouble getting the grades taken care of to get in here before he did, which probably put him a little behind. Otherwise, he'd probably have a spot already locked down with the first string offensive line. There may be some questions about his pass protection skills. But his run blocking is a resounding positive. Like many of the other linemen in this class, he plays with a very physical and nasty streak. As it is, he may just wind up giving us some superior depth along the line, but if someone on the first unit right now went down, he could fill in at at least 4 spots and we wouldn't miss a beat. |
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