Overtime Elite basketball standout Jahzare Jackson committed to play college football at the University of Georgia on Monday morning. He will be a 20-year-old freshman in the fall.
It is a project for Kirby Smart and his staff that could pay off in a very big way down the road.
Jackson is listed at 6-foot-11, 322 pounds. His massive frame will immediately tower above his on-field competition. He would also be 25 years old during his final season if he takes a redshirt in the fall and stays for four additional years. A literal man amongst boys!
However, Jackson has not played football since middle school— when he had scholarship offers from schools like Ohio State and Alabama before the seventh grade.
The transition from the hardwood back to the gridiron is going to take some time. His technique needs work but Georgia is willing to coach him up. It even hopes to get him in the left tackle spot as early as next year, meaning 2025.
Smart and offensive line coach Stacy Searels gave him a blueprint for what they want to have happen.
“This year you’re going to develop, going against some of the best D-ends in the country, pretty much, also get some snaps in as well. Then next year you have the potential to come in and be the starter.”
— Jahzare Jackson, via The Athletic
Jackson played his first two years of high school basketball at IMG Academy. He later made the jump to Overtime Elite as part of the league’s inaugural class and won three-straight championships.
Even though Jackson could pursue professional basketball overseas or in the G-League, he decided to go a different route. College football only became a legitimate option in the last six-to-eight months.
His trainer likes what he sees from Jackson.
Jahzare Jackson was not even on the college football radar until June! His utterly dominant performance at Florida State’s recruiting camp caused his stock to skyrocket. The Seminoles ultimately made his top five alongside Mississippi State, Florida and Arkansas. The Bulldogs received his commitment.