Jahzare Jackson, once a standout youth basketball player and former teammate of Bronny James, has officially committed to the Georgia Bulldogs football program. The announcement came on Monday, marking a significant shift in Jackson’s athletic career from the basketball court to the football field.
From Basketball Star to Football Lineman
Jackson, known for his towering 6’10” frame, initially gained fame playing for the North Coast Blue Chips AAU basketball team alongside Bronny James. His impressive size and skills on the basketball court led many to predict a future in the NBA. However, Jackson’s passion for football has now taken precedence.
In a video segment posted by Overtime Elite, Jackson explained his decision: “I fell in love with the coaches, I fell in love with the school. Players were welcoming when I got there, and I’m still in Georgia at the end of the day, I feel that was a big thing for me. But I just felt like when I got there it was home.”
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The Journey to Georgia
Jackson’s journey to committing to Georgia began last month when he confirmed his switch to football. The 350-pound lineman embarked on a series of official visits to several college football powerhouses in the Sun Belt region. He attended the Florida State Elite Camp on June 9, followed by a tour of the Tallahassee school. Jackson also visited Florida on June 14, and made trips to Mississippi State and Georgia.
It was Georgia’s head coach, Kirby Smart, who ultimately won Jackson over. Jackson shared his experience with Smart: “He got to these laminated papers, [they] got the whole list of who got drafted in the past year. Players that got drafted from Georgia are in red, and the rest are in black. And he was kind of just showing me, ‘Hey son, we got five dudes that went in the league first round… if you stay here for two years, you’re going to develop your first year and start your second year.'”
A New Chapter on the Gridiron
Jackson’s decision to switch to football and commit to Georgia is a significant move. Standing at 6’10” with a 7’4″ wingspan, he will be the only player of his height in On3.com’s 2024 recruiting class rankings. If Kirby Smart’s projections hold true, Jackson could join Detroit Lions’ Dan Skipper as one of the few towering players in the NFL.
Jahzare Jackson’s transition from a basketball prodigy to a football player marks an exciting new chapter in his athletic career. With his commitment to Georgia, Jackson is poised to make a significant impact on the gridiron. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching his development and future success in college football.
