Trishton

Jackson

A former four-star recruit out of Michigan, Jackson (6'1/197) totaled underwhelming production (17/232/1) over 11 games in two seasons at Michigan State before transferring to Syracuse and blowing up (66/1,023/11) as a redshirt junior. As the Athletic’s Dane Brugler notes, Jackson became one of only two ACC wideouts to spike double-digit touchdowns and average at least 85 receiving yards per game in 2019, additionally leading the conference with 10 catches of 30-plus yards in his lone year with QB Tommy Devito. Jackson’s big-play prowess (career 15.5 yards per reception) is unsurprising given how well he used his length (32 3/8") on 50-50 opportunities. He also lined up exclusively as an outside right receiver in Syracuse’s scheme, which at least fits the mold of what coach Sean McVay is presumably looking for in 2020.

Jackson (6'1/197) finally put it together in his senior season with a line of 66-1,023-11 in his final season with the Orange. He began his career with Michigan State, and he’s also a former basketball star who considered walking on to the Orange basketball team. Like all wideouts who come in as late-round picks or UDFA, special teams will be critical for Jackson making the roster. It’s certainly possible he’s a late-bloomer, but there’s a lot of work to be done before he’s ready to make an NFL impact.

Jackson sports a modest 6-foot-1, 197-pound build with solid 4.50 speed. Zierlein writes Jackson is the type of receiver who “eats up cushion before cornerbacks realize it,” which gives him the advantage at the top of the route as cornerbacks try to react in a panic. However, Jackson “lacks play strength to combat big, press bullies” and does not have a full route tree to attack cornerbacks in a variety of ways, making him a fairly limited one-trick speed threat. Jackson will need to add some other element to his game in order to become a legitimate starting receiver down the line.

Jackson (6'1/197) additionally notched a vertical jump of 36 inches and a broad jump of 117 inches during Thursday’s testing. NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein digs the Syracuse wideout’s speed quotient, but more critically notes that Jackson " struggles to track and adjust to throws when forced to break stride and has difficulties finishing contested catches against bigger cornerbacks.” If he is to land in the draft, that would come on Day 3 barring an unexpected stock jump.

Jackson (6'1/183) began his career at Michigan State before transferring over to Syracuse. He now bounces for the draft after breaking out for a sharp 66-1023-11 receiving line during the fall campaign. He was named a second-team All-ACC performer for his efforts. Jackson has yet to receive major steam as a draft prospect and figures to need a strong evaluating season if he is to differentiate himself in a loaded class of receivers.

If only Jackson had earned the same yardage and touchdown total on one more reception to round out the perfect score line. Alas, perfect box score or not, Jackson came through when Syracuse needed him most, showing out in a game in which the Orange had to play their backup QB. Jackson, a lean 6-foot-1, 183-pounds, nearly had a second touchdown on the day with a diving effort, but was ruled out of bounds just before making the scoring leap. Jackson finishes the year with over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Jackson (6'1/183) got his sizzling afternoon started with a 26-yard scoring grab in the first quarter on a nice touch pass from QB Tommy DeVito, then bettered that effort and then some in the third quarter. His second touchdown catch came from 85 yards out in the third quarter. Unfortunately, by that point in time, Boston College had the game well in hand. Jackson’s score merely drew the Orange to within 51-27. For the campaign, the redshirt sophomore owns a 51-780-8 receiving line across nine games played. Syracuse will take on Duke two Saturdays from now. The team will be off on bye next weekend.

Jackson was one of the few offensive players who had a strong offensive night, and by one of the few, we really mean the only one. His touchdown came with just three minutes left -- a two-yard connection with Tommy DeVito -- and it’s the third-straight game with a score and fourth in that time frame for the 6-foot-1, 183-pound wideout. Jackson is certainly the go-to option in this passing game, and he should be targeted heavily again on Friday against Pitt.

After a breakout game against Western Michigan last week (six catches for 141 yards with two touchdowns), Jackson wasn’t quite as good this week, but he was involved early, and was able to score his third touchdown in two weeks on a strike from Tommy DeVito early in the game. Jackson (6'1/183) appears to be one of DeVito’s favorite targets, and he has the most upside of any wideout on the Orange; with apologies to Taj Harris. Jackson and Syracuse will take on NC State after a by on October 10.

Jackson (6'1/183) is one of five Syracuse players receiving recognition for their play against Western Michigan. Jackson has been the very essence of a boom-or-bust player for the Orange, catching only 5 passes for 37 yards combined against Clemson and Liberty. Then catching 13 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns against Maryland and Western Michigan. Syracuse sits at 2-2 heading into their Week 5 tilt against Holy Cross.