Prattville's Jackson to take his talents to Alabama in 2021
Prattville linebacker Ian Jackson (3) recorded 91 tackles last season. On Thursday, he announced his intentions to sigh with Alabama next fall. (Photo courtesy Prattville Alive)
By GRAHAM DUNN
PRATTVILLE - Two years ago, Prattville linebacker Ian Jackson was scarcely mentioned when discussing the top high school prospects in the state of Alabama.
But Lions’ coach Caleb Ross knew what he had and expected the development to make Jackson a top recruit in the 2021 class.
That was realized on Thursday when Jackson announced his intentions to sign with the University of Alabama later this year.
He picked the Crimson Tide over several schools including state rival Auburn, where he had a direct connection.
“My mom was a Tigerette when she went (to Auburn),” Jackson said. “I expect she will still be an Auburn fan but she will pull for me.”
Most recruiting services rate Jackson the top linebacker prospect in the state, which is ironic considering he didn’t play the position but one year.
Jackson has made a seamless switch from safety - where he played as a sophomore – to outside linebacker and proceeded to record 93 tackles and seven sacks last season.
“He had an incredible junior year,” Ross said. “We saw that he had the build, or would grow into it after his sophomore year. And he got up to 210 (pounds) but didn’t lose anything.
“He is very good at getting on the edge and taking on a block. He can play in space and has natural instincts. We didn’t ask him to go man last year but he could do it if we ask him to. He’s physical. I don’t know if he is a true Mike (linebacker) but you can play him in the box and he would do fine.”
Coach Nick Saban and the Alabama staff were watching Jackson very early while other schools were interested but waited to offer.
That would prove to be Alabama’s advantage.
“I felt like I was a priority to them,” Jackson said. “They started recruiting me early and Coach Saban and I were able to build a relationship.”
“Coach (Charles) Kelly was a big part of this,” Ross added. “They were consistent since the first day they were going to offer to him. They communicated to him the right way.”
Ross might be biased but he expects Jackson to contend for playing time as a freshman.
“His biggest attribute… he takes coaching,” Ross said. “He gets better every day. Some kids get big time offers and you coaching them and they think they have it all figured out. But he takes it all in. He will take criticism. He doesn’t get the big head when you praise him.
“No doubt, they will push him. I think they will test him to see how much he can learn and knowing how intricate the Alabama defense can be, it will be tough. To me, he fits what Alabama does. He is a smart kid. If he can understand their scheme a little early and if his body develops early, watch out.”