Outside linebacker Ian Jackson is ready to make some noise The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder can flat-out ball and Alabama football fans are eager to see what he can do on the field
The four-star recruit from Prattville, Alabama committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide last spring. He's since arrived in Tuscaloosa to kickstart his college football career.
Jackson is primed to a be a big-time player for the Tide defense.
LB Ian Jackson Enrolls at Alabama
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The Prattville High School grad was Alabama's No. 7 player in the 2021 recruiting class. After fielding at least 29 offers, according to 247Sports, Ian Jackson officially trimmed his list to 10 in March 2020, including six SEC schools.
Jackson's final list included Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Florida State, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Louisville.
Jackson ultimately cut Power 5 offers from Indiana, Iowa, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and West Virginia off his list.
As an Alabama native, the choice was only natural to commit to head coach Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.
His relationship with Saban secured his pledge:
"Just the relationship built over time between me and Coach (Nick) Saban," Jackson told BamaOnLine of how he came to his decision. "With him flying down to our school just to come see me, and then the next day going to Junior Day and them offering me, sitting in his office and him giving the reasons on why they're offering me, and my whole family being in there, him just being upfront and honest with me and them, letting them in on the loop.
Jackson commitment only strengthens Bama's No. 1 recruiting class. He's one of 27 early enrollees in addition to running back Deontae Lawson and defensive back Ga'Quincy McKinstry.
Tony Tsoukalas of BamaInsider detailed a scouting report on Rivals.com:
"Jackson started his career as a safety but dropped down to the linebacker position during his final two seasons at Prattville High School as he continued to add weight to his 6-foot-1 frame. The athletic defender weighed in at roughly 210-15 pounds during his junior year in 2019. After continuing to bulk up during his senior season, he arrived at Alabama listed at 225 pounds. If he continues to progress at that rate, it's possible he could weigh in at the 240-pound range by the time he sees the field for the Tide's defense."
Ian Jackson Highlights
Taking a look at his highlights, it's easy to understand why some the best NCAA coaching staffs sought the star linebacker. Jackson uses his athleticism to shed blockers and make plays.
It will be fun to keep an eye on Jackson because he absolutely has game-changing potential at the next level and beyond.
