On300 cornerback Ja'Keem Jackson views Florida as the total package, makes commitment

The University of Florida has reeled in one of the Sunshine State’s premier cornerbacks, as On300 prospect Ja’Keem Jackson announced his commitment moments ago.

Jackson, who laces up the cleats for Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola, chose the Gators over entertaining additional offers from Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Penn State and Auburn.

The 2023 prospect had been leaning toward the Gators for roughly a month. As for the exact day, it was on June 20 when he went through a one-on-one workout with Corey Raymond. There was not an exact moment, but it was that day when Jackson knew UF was going to be the selection.

Then roughly 24 hours ago, the blue-chip defender quietly returned to Gainesville to lock everything in alongside his family. They are planning to attend Friday Night Lights as well.

With Jackson’s commitment, UF is ranked 15th in the 2023 Consensus Football Team Recruiting Rankings.

According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Jackson ranks as the No. 21 cornerback and No. 178 player regardless of position.

With On3, however, the four-star prospect ranks significantly higher. He is labeled as the No. 13 cornerback, No. 119 player overall and No. 28 player in the Sunshine State.

“It all came down to relationships, trust, development and coaching history,” Jackson told Gators Online. “When I went up there to camp, coach Raymond was telling me good stuff, like, good technique, good drills, and even gave me drills to go back and work on. You don’t really get that from a lot of coaches. He broke down my film, everything. I also spent a lot of time with coach Napier.”

Corey Raymond is not the only Gators staff member who played a pivotal role in Jackson’s decision. This is also a major victory for Patrick Toney, the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

“We just caught a vibe. He’s a good coach,” Jackson said of Toney. “When I went there, he showed mad love and broke down my film. He was telling me the good stuff I do as it relates to the team, so that was good.”

Jackson views Gainesville as his home away from home

Florida’s top-notch tradition both on the field and in the classroom speaks for itself; however, much more went into Jackson’s decision to relocate to Alachua County

In fact, the defensive back views the Gators as the total package with plenty of boxes checked off.

“I feel like it has everything I need. It’s great,” Jackson said of campus. “They have academics, the weight room, facilities and resources. I feel like they have everything and I will fit perfectly.”

As for his official visit, Jackson has yet to schedule a date with Napier’s staff, but it’s expected to take place at some point during the season.

With tonight’s commitment, Florida’s 2023 class now features 13 prospects, including 12 from the Sunshine State. Jackson is also the second cornerback in the class, joining Sharif Denson.

Inside the Film Room

Dynamic two-way star for regional semifinalist Osceola (FL) whose ball skills seamlessly translate from wide receiver to the corner position. Caught 36 passes for 548 yards and four touchdowns on offense and also secured three interceptions on defense during his junior campaign.

Stands in at just over 6 feet, 180 pounds with over a 6-foot-5 wingspan. Can reach his top end-speed in a flash and has easy recovery speed. Ran an electronically-timed 4.57 40 during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Jumped a 31-inch vertical and a 9-foot-7 broad jump during the spring as well.

Sky is the limit as a cover corner. Has all the physical tools and athleticism to become elite in coverage. Will need to continue to physically develop in order to become a complete player and contribute in the run game. Immense upside. — On3 Scouting and Rankings Assistant Cody Bellaire

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