Redshirt junior receiver [autotag]Kahleil Jackson[/autotag] figures to be a position-room leader at the University of Florida as he enters his second season as a scholarship player.
Jackson passed on an offer to Jackson State in 2020 to walk on at UF. The third-generation legacy paid his dues, endured a coaching change and finally earned a scholarship from Billy Napier in the spring of 2023.
“Kahleil Jackson needs no motivation,” Napier said on Wednesday “He’s self-motivated, he’s a grinder. He’s always been out to prove himself, and he’s done that. He has the respect of myself, our staff, his teammates.”
Jackson made nine starts last season and should be a consistent contributor in Gainesville again this year. He’s one of three receivers on the roster who is 6-foot-3-inches or taller, but a pair of transfers might block him out of the official starter role. He’s looking to improve on a career-high 251 yards and one touchdown last season.
While Jackson has improved on the field over the years, it’s the off-the-field growth that Napier thinks has done him the most good.
“I’m most proud of Khaleil Jackson’s growth as a human being, person. His ability to connect with his teammates … There’s 3 or 4 guys at the table, and this guy’s smiling. He’s having conversation. He’s being more vocal on the field. Just a different guy, you know?
“When we first got here, that was an area that he specifically talked to me about wanting to improve. So, Khaleil, he’s in a prime position to have a good year here for the Gators.”
Tradition makes a difference
Legacy commitments can shy away from their family history at times, but it’s something Florida’s staff seems to be able to tap in with its players.
Napier took over the program at a low point and immediately made moves to restore the Florida Gators name. Ditching players who understand the big picture wasn’t part of that plan.
“The more kids that we have on our team that have a true feel for the history and tradition of this place, that really understand that we’re a part of families that — I mean, Khaleil Jackson, think about how he grew up and all the things that he observed and the stories he’s been told — and for him to wear 22 and for him to have Jackson on the back, I mean, we need more of that, right?
“We might be hitting it just right. We’ve got quite a few legacies that are coming down the pipe here.”
Florida also has Myles Graham, the son of Earnest Graham, on the roster, and Vernell Brown III recently committed to the program.
“Just in general, there’s always an added value to a player that has knowledge and passion for the place; has a true understanding. Because some of this generation, they don’t remember, you know, they have no affiliation with that. So, I think guys like Kahleil, it means a little bit more to a guy like that.”
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