Long Beach Poly High School has turned out some fine football players, and Jackson is the latest to be knocking on the NFL’s door. As a freshman, he burst onto the scene making an immediate impact with 38 catches for 601 yards and seven touchdowns. As a sophomore last year, he emerged as one of the best receivers in the country, finishing with 59 catches for 1,060 yards and nine touchdowns, along with averaging 18.2 yards per punt return. He returned four punts for touchdowns as well. As a junior, Jackson was one of the most hyped players in the country. He was still a big play threat, but his numbers were not quite as good. He caught 60 passes for 681 yards and five touchdowns. He also added 132 yards and a touchdown on the ground. As a punt returner, Jackson averaged 10.8 yards per return, taking one back for a touchdown.
Jackson is electric with the ball in his hands. Any time he touches it, he is a threat to put six on the board. He has fantastic quickness, and the ability to start and stop on a dime. He can make people miss, and quickly regain his speed to run away from defenders. Jackson is also a standout as a punt returner, and brings big time playmaking ability in that area as well.
Size is the major issue with Jackson. He does not appear to be as big as his listed size. He lacks the bulk to go over the middle and take a hit, and can be taken out of a play by physical corners. His height is also only average, and he may have trouble going up and getting the ball against corners because of his overall lack of size.
Jackson may have some size limitations but his playmaking ability is rare. He is a player you have to account for, and may be the most explosive player in the draft. He could go anywhere in the first round, although he brings more value in the second half of the round.