Skip to main content
oregon logo

Khyree Jackson says Oregon's Troy Franklin was the best receiver he faced in 2023 — not Washington's Rome Odunze

Jarrid Denneyby:Jarrid Denney•02/29/24•

jarrid_denney

oregon-cornerback-khyree-jackson-leaves-stanford-game-with-injury
© Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout his lone season at Oregon, Khyree Jackson matched up with several NFL-caliber receivers.

But he insists that the toughest competition he faced all season came during practices at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene.

While speaking with reporters at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Thursday, Jackson was asked if Washington’s Rome Odunze was the best receiver he faced all season.

“No. The best receiver I faced was Troy Franklin,” he responded.

During Oregon’s Week 7 loss at Washington, Jackson was targeted twice while covering Odunze and surrendered two receptions for 24 yards, according to Pro Football Focus. On the day, Odunze racked up 128 yards on 12 catches, including two touchdowns.

When the two teams met in the Pac-12 Championship game later in the season, the Huskies emerged victorious once again. In that game, Odunze caught 11 passes for 102 yards. Jackson was targeted twice while matched up with Odunze and gave up one reception for 12 yards.

“The first game, I feel like I played decent,” Jackson said when asked how he fared in Oregon’s two matchups with Washington. “I definitely didn’t play my best game. I feel like I kind of let the moment, playing a big team, I knew they were undefeated and knew it was gonna be a big-time matchup — I kind of let the moment get a little too big. Not just playing the game, letting the game come to me, I was trying to make hero plays here and there. Leading into my second matchup with them, I was way more comfortable. I don’t remember giving up a pass, honestly, in that second matchup. I feel like that second matchup was a pretty easy game for me.”

Jackson transferred to Oregon from Alabama last offseason and proved to be an integral figure for Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi’s defense. He earned first-team all-conference honors after recording 34 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups.

Khyree Jackson NFL.com scouting report

“Extremely imposing outside cornerback with rare size and strength. Jackson’s measurables are a big plus, but he started just 14 games during his college career, so the technique is inconsistent. He can be hit-or-miss from press, but when he catches the receiver with his punch, it’s trouble. A lack of anticipation and sticky hips cause him to get lost at transition points at times. Contested catches tilt heavily in his favor and will continue to do so as he improves with more coaching and experience. Jackson’s size and physicality combined with his NFL-caliber run support should make him an early backup with a chance to climb the ladder into a starting role if he proves he has the necessary speed.” – Lance Zierlein

You may also like