After speculation that Texas and Miami were destinations, Oklahoma is the choice for four-star defensive tackle Jayden Jackson.
Oklahoma is starting to heat up on the recruiting trail. Oklahoma just landed their seventh recruit since June 19th as four-star nose tackle [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag] committed to Oklahoma on Thursday.
Jackson brings college-ready size and will likely add more to his already impressive frame. Jackson chose the Sooners over Texas, Ohio State, and in-state school Miami.
Oklahoma first offered Jackson in March when they were likely checking in at IMG Academy and continuing to fill out the remainder of their board for 2024. Jackson’s teammate and friend at IMG is five-star defensive linemen David Stone, a priority target for the Sooners. In recruiting Stone, the Sooners identified Jackson as an intriguing option at defensive tackle.
The rest of the story took off. Jackson took an official visit to Norman on June 20th and used the remainder of June for other official visits before ultimately choosing Oklahoma.
Much has been said about Oklahoma’s perceived lack of preparedness for their jump to the SEC. It was felt that the Sooners weren’t in a position in the trenches to compete in the SEC. While that may have been true before Brent Venables’ arrival, it’s quickly becoming a stale narrative that is dying out quickly. The last two recruiting classes for Oklahoma have seen the Sooners recruit some of the most talented defensive linemen.
Jackson is a four-star player in the 247Sports composite. While he may not have a high overall ranking, his offer list clearly reveals that high-level Power Five teams saw him as an impact player.
It’s hard not to recognize how strong he is, how laterally quick he moves for a guy his size, and his motor on the playing field. Teams should line up for that type of one-technique defensive tackle in the middle of their defense to help establish physicality up front.
Here’s what Sooners Wire Managing Editor John Williams had to say about Jayden Jackson when he dropped his top 12 back in April, which included the Oklahoma Sooners.
Jackson is a 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle that is the definition of a people mover. He is quick off the line of scrimmage and displays really good play strength. Jackson can dart through the line to get into the backfield or utilize his strength to defeat double teams at the point of attack. – Williams, Sooners Wire
Jackson’s commitment is another feather in the cap of Todd Bates, who came to Oklahoma with a reputation on the recruiting trail and a notable talent developer. He’s starting to get the guys he wants that fit the style of defense the Sooners want to play.
With Jackson in the Sooners’ 2024 recruiting class, his next objective will be to ensure his teammate and friend David Stone commits to Oklahoma.
The Sooners have appear to be the overwhelming favorite for Stone according to the predictions from 247Sports, On3, and Rivals. However, Stone has yet to announce a commitment date. Still, with his close friend and teammate now a Sooners commit, Stone’s decision may have gotten just a little bit easier.
Oklahoma isn’t done along the defensive front. Stone, five-star EDGE Williams Nwaneri, and four-star prospects Nigel Smith and Danny Okoye still have upcoming decisions that loom large for the Sooners.
Like the weather in Oklahoma, things are heating up for the Sooners and Brent Venables on the recruiting trail.
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