Scouting Report: Devin Jackson

 

Scouting Report: Devin Jackson

Vitals:

• Position: Safety
• Height/Weight: 6-2, 195 pounds
• Ranking: No. 134 overall player nationally, No. 14 safety (On3)
• School: The First Academy (Orlando, FL)

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Overview:
Devin Jackson is a big, physically imposing defensive back who combines modern safety versatility with old-school toughness. Standing at 6-2 and weighing 195 pounds, he has the prototype frame college coaches covet for a multi-role defender in today's spread-heavy game. Jackson projects as an immediate contributor on special teams and in sub-packages, with the potential to develop into an all-conference performer and leader on the back end.

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Strengths:

• Elite Size and Length: Jackson’s 6-2 frame, broad shoulders, and long arms allow him to cover a large strike zone and physically match up with bigger receivers and tight ends. His build gives him an edge in contested catch situations and when coming downhill to take on blockers.
• Fluid Hips and Change of Direction: Despite his size, he moves like a smaller defensive back. Jackson has excellent hip flexibility and can flip and run without wasted motion. His ability to sink and redirect is rare for a player with his stature, giving him true sideline-to-sideline range.
• Instincts and Ball Skills: Jackson consistently shows a natural feel for route concepts and quarterback tendencies. He reads the game quickly, taking smart angles to the ball, and has a knack for generating turnovers. At the Overtime OT7 Finals, he racked up three interceptions in a single day — nearly four, with a highlight-reel toe-drag attempt on the sideline — showcasing his elite tracking and timing.
• Run Support and Physicality: Jackson isn’t just a coverage specialist. He’s a fearless tackler who thrives in the box, sheds blocks effectively, and consistently finds ways to close running lanes. His tackle production (80 tackles, 7 PBU, 2 INT, 2 FR, 1 FF as a junior) demonstrates a complete defensive profile.
• Coverage Versatility: While he’s primarily played as a boundary safety, Jackson has also flashed the ability to operate as a deep safety and even as an outside corner in 7-on-7 settings. His loose hips and improved short-area explosiveness make him a candidate to play multiple spots, offering scheme flexibility for defensive coordinators.

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Areas for Improvement:

• Top-End Speed: Jackson has made notable gains in testing numbers from his sophomore to junior year, but he may still lack elite deep speed to match burners downfield one-on-one consistently. While he has the instincts and angles to cover ground, true vertical threats could challenge him in single-high scenarios.
• Technical Refinements: As with most high school safeties, refining footwork discipline in man coverage and continuing to polish tackling technique in space will be key to his early success at the next level.

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Athletic Background:
Jackson’s trajectory reflects steady and significant growth. After seeing varsity action as a freshman (58 tackles, 5 PBU), he developed into a full-time impact player as a sophomore at West Orange (58 tackles, 2 PBU, 1 FR) before transferring to The First Academy, where he took a major step forward as a junior (80 tackles, 7 PBU, 2 INT).

His improvement in testing numbers and on-field explosiveness stands out, especially as he’s added muscle mass without sacrificing fluidity. His performances at events like the Overtime OT7 Finals underline his growth into a more complete defender who can be a difference-maker against both the pass and run.

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Projection:
Jackson profiles as a modern safety who can roam deep, play near the box, or line up over a slot receiver, depending on the scheme. His combination of length, ball skills, and physicality make him a strong candidate to contribute early on special teams and as a rotational piece, with the long-term upside to become a multi-year starter and potential all-conference standout.

If developed properly, he has the traits to eventually become an NFL-caliber safety, especially if he continues to improve his deep speed and technical consistency in man coverage.

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Conclusion:
Devin Jackson is exactly the type of versatile, high-upside defensive back programs like Oregon need to compete at the highest level. His blend of size, athleticism, instincts, and competitive edge should allow him to thrive in Eugene and potentially develop into one of the Ducks’ cornerstone defenders in the coming years.

Junior Highlights: Watch Here
Sophomore Highlights: Watch Here