Traeshon Holden opens up about late Alabama, Oregon teammate Khyree Jackson at vigil

Traeshon Holden will always have a special place in his heart for the late Khyree Jackson. The two played together at Alabama and transferred to Oregon before the latter was drafted this spring.

After the tragic auto accident that claimed Jackson’s life earlier this month, Holden spoke at Oregon’s public vigil Wednesday night. They pushed each other in practice and off the field to be better at both stops.

You can see Holden’s comments below.

Traeshon Holden speaks on his teammate at both Alabama and Oregon pic.twitter.com/oVcCXfai88

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You’ll never expect or prepare to talk about anything in this nature,” Holden said. “It hurts me the most because I came from Alabama with Khyree and I could see how much growth he had in one year … He motivated me every day and days when I’m having a bad day of practice, he the first one, he didn’t sugarcoat nothing. Like he told me how bad I look, how bad I am and all I did was (I wanted to be) better. 

“Watching Khyree (makes) you want to just play better. And you know, him not being here anymore kind of, it don’t sit right. I guess this is showing me that it’s real. I just want everybody … to remember (Khyree) for being one of the best. One of the best for sure.”

How Holden will honor Jackson this coming season remains to be seen, but it seems he’ll play with a heavy heart. It was clear there was plenty of love between the two teammates.

Jackson was recently drafted by the Vikings with the No. 108 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after spending one season with the Ducks. He previously played two seasons under Nick Saban at Alabama.

He suited up in 12 games this past season for Dan Lanning and the Ducks before opting out of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. Tallying 34 tackles (25 solo), he also compiled 5.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, seven passes defended and 2.0 sacks. His interception total not only led the Ducks’ defense but ranked fourth in the Pac-12. For his efforts, Jackson earned First-Team All-Pac-12 honors in his lone season in Eugene before heading to the NFL Draft.

During his two seasons in Tuscaloosa, the former junior college (Fort Scott CC) transfer played just under 200 snaps. During that time, he recorded 14 tackles and two pass breakups. He also played a career-high 59 snaps in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Georgia.