On3 4-star QB Trever Jackson not shying away Elite 11 Finals spotlight

Winter Garden (Fla.) West Orange four-star quarterback Trever Jackson grew up like most young quarterbacks dreaming of one day playing in the Elite 11 Finals. Jackson watched as a kid and also got a first-hand experience with the event at a young age.

In 2019, Jackson was a water boy for the regional held in Orlando. That year, he watched as former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson make eye-popping play-after-play.

Now Jackson gets to follow in the footsteps of guys like Richardson, Justin Fields, Trevor Lawrence and other top quarterbacks who competed in the Elite 11.

“It’s a blessing man,” Jackson told On3. “All of the quarterbacks who have come through the Elite 11 and competed, just to be recognized as one of those guys who can try to win it is just crazy. I’ve been watching since I was a kid so it’s a dream come true.”

Jackson said his mentality for the week is about 30% focused on having fun. The other 70% is focus on work and proving that he belongs in the elite company.

The No. 34 quarterback in the On3 Industry Ranking and No. 17 quarterback in the 2024 On300, Jackson is one of two uncommitted quarterbacks competing in the event.

“I want to go out there compete and show that I can be one of the best,” Jackson said. “I felt like I was a little under-recruited. Now I want to go there and show that I can be one of the best to come out of the 2024 class.”

He may not be ranked as highly as other quarterbacks in the event but Jackson said he isn’t shying away from the competition.

“I love the spotlight,” Jackson said. “The type of fire you’re under, you just have to do a good job and make sure you’re not messing up. Playing quarterback, you’re going to have that spotlight no matter where you go. You get used to it and play your game so there’s no pressure at all.”

Jackson narrowing in on top schools

He may be uncommitted now but Jackson doesn’t expect to stay that way much longer.

He kicked off the month with an official visit to Pittsburgh. This past weekend traveled to Texas A&M and Houston this last weekend.

Jackson’s set to take an official to Missouri at the end of the month for his first visit there. He noted that he could also make a trip to USC while in California.

Jackson hasn’t officially announced who his top schools are but noted that if he had to rank them currently, his list would be Pittsburgh, Texas A&M, Missouri, Houston and FAU.

“I’m taking it by ear,” Jackson said. “I’m making sure I see everything they have to offer and make sure that I make the right decision at the end of the day.”