Is redshirt junior running back Ja’Kobi Jackson in for a breakout year? 2006 Florida Gators National Champion Steven Harris thinks so.
“Ja’Kobi Jackon looks like an every down back,” Harris said on a podcast with Hightop Sports. “When I saw him today, the way he moves, the way he runs, I said he reminds me of Frank Gore.”
You can watch the full interview here at Hightop Sports on YouTube.
Drawling comparisons to Frank Gore is extremely high praise, given he held a 16-year NFL career and ranks 3rd all-time on the NFL rushing leader list with 16,000 career yards. But if anyone would know who possesses a similar play style to Frank Gore, it’s Steven Harris, who grew up in the same neighborhood as Gore and played high school football with the NFL legend at Coral Gables High School.
“This is the first time I’ve seen someone that reminded me of him [Gore],” Harris said.
Ja’Kobi Jackson transferred from Coahoma Community College last season, where the 5’10.5, 209 pound back rushed for 1390 yards and 14 touchdowns across three years (2020-22). He also added 14 catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game.
Jackson didn’t appear in a game for UF in 2023 and redshirted.
“He came in from a JUCO school, he struggled a little bit getting adapted, but now he’s a fan favorite, they love him,” Harris said on Jackson. “He’s an every down guy, he’s one of those guys that won’t complain, he’s very appreciative of everything that they have at Florida.”
Harris promised Shelton Walker from Hightop Sports that Jackson will play in the NFL.
“He’s one of those guys that’s taken advantage of what he’s given. I know guys come in with stars and all this other hype and he’s taking that long road, but he’ll be in the NFL, I promise you that,” Harris said.
Jackson has two years of eligibility remaining and could see significant playing time in 2024.
“I hope we get an opportunity as Gators to see him and watch his story develop before he does it for another team, but he’s going to be one of those glory guys and he’ll probably be in the league for a long time.”
Jackson is likely third on Florida’s running back depth chart behind Montrell Johnson and Treyaub Webb. But with Johnson recovering from a knee injury he suffered during fall camp, Jackson has moved up on the depth chart and could find significant playing time in week one vs Miami if Johnson is unable to play.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Jackson impresses early in the year and gains a larger role as Florida’s 2024 season progresses.
Jackson is Florida’s most explosive running back and has the athletic ability to be a major threat in the passing game. The Florida native attended high school at Pensacola Catholic where he earned division one offers from Charlotte, South Alabama, UAB, and Western Kentucky before deciding on the JUCO route. In his two seasons of varsity football, Jackson combined for 2141 yards and 25 touchdowns on 270 carries, an average of 7.9 yards per carry. The star running back was electric in the passing game as well, totaling 761 yards and 10 touchdowns on 36 catches, an average of 21.1 yards per catch.
If Florida’s offense can find ways to get Jackson into open space, his speed and athleticism will do the rest.
Thanks for the info, high praise and comparison!!