Oklahoma’s search to fortify its defensive line ahead of its move to the SEC has been the top storyline of the 2024 recruiting cycle.
While [autotag]David Stone[/autotag], [autotag]Williams Nwaneri[/autotag] and [autotag]Nigel Smith[/autotag] are top of mind, the Sooners are turning over every stone to land top-tier defensive line talents from across the nation.
In the wake of the ChampU BBQ, the Sooners are hosting another impressive defensive tackle for his official visit starting Monday. That’s IMG Acadamy’s [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag]. Jackson will be in Norman June 19-21 to hear Oklahoma’s recruiting pitch.
Jackson is an impressive player, someone who can play both the run and pass game with his elite strength and quickness off the line of scrimmage. Though he’s only a three-star prospect according to On3 and 247Sports, Rivals sees Jackson as a top-200 player, which is more fitting to what he looks like on the field.
I will be in Norman Oklahoma for an official visit. #BoomerSooner
@OU_Football @CoachVenables @CoachToddBates pic.twitter.com/2ORrhgfEfv— Jayden Jackson (@JaydenJackson65) June 19, 2023
Jackson boasts great size at 6 feet, 2 inches and 300 pounds, but what’s more impressive is his agility. He moves like a player much smaller and plays with great leverage and strength.
The IMG standout spent time with Miami and has an official visit scheduled with Texas for next weekend. But the Sooners will get the opportunity to make an impression before his trip to Austin.
While Jackson is trending toward Ohio State, don’t count out Todd Bates and Brent Venables’ ability to recruit a defensive tackle of Jackson’s ability. He could play both defensive tackle positions on all downs and be a terror for interior offensive linemen.
The Sooners are hoping to do with the 2024 defensive tackle class what they did in the 2023 defensive back class. Have a deep group of blue-chip signees that can help make over a unit that was in desperate need of a talent infusion.
If Oklahoma can land Jackson, it would be a huge addition. Though he may not have the star status as some of his contemporaries, he has the ability to be just as productive at the college level.
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