Jakobi Jackson has returned to his home state as the newest member of the Gators football team. (Photo: UF Football)
Player Profile: Gators RB Jakobi Jackson
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | Football, Scott Carter
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By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — If there is such a thing as an under-the-radar recruit in today's 24/7 world, running back Jakobi Jackson measures up nicely.
At least in Florida's corner of the recruiting universe.
The Gators announced Jackson's signing late last week, adding a veteran player to the backfield. UF coach Billy Napier had discussed his desire to add a fifth running back to the roster, but with the transfer portal closed and player movement on the decline heading into summer, it appeared the foursome of Montrell Johnson Jr., Trevor Etienne, Cam Carroll and true freshman Treyaun Webb would carry the load in 2023.
That was until Jackson joined the mix from Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Miss. Jackson definitely played far from the bright lights of the Southeastern Conference the past three seasons, running for more than 1,300 yards in a town known more for producing guitar heroes (John Lee Hooker, Ike Turner to name a couple) than Division I running backs.
Jackson's signing is a homecoming of sorts. He grew up in the Panhandle and became a two-way standout at Pensacola Catholic High, starring at running back and linebacker. Jackson played basketball, too.
Gators running back Jakobi Jackson last season at a Mississippi community college. (Photo: Courtesy of Coahoma Community College)
"Jakobi can do a bit of everything,'' his prep hoops coach, Jeff Gill, told the Pensacola News-Journal. "He can rebound, he's our primary ball handler, and he's our best defender."
Jackson drew interest from Division I programs out of high school, including offers from South Alabama, Charlotte, Western Kentucky and UAB. However, he landed in junior college and immediately played as a freshman during the COVID-19 season of 2020.
In his first game at Coahoma, Jackson rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns in a win at Itawamba CC. He played in three games as a freshman, rushed for 498 yards in 2021 and as a third-year sophomore in 2022, Jackson led the Tigers with 661 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.
He received an offer from Charleston Southern recently before the Gators moved in and swayed him to Gainesville. He finished his time at Coahoma with 1,390 yards and 14 touchdowns in 20 career games.
Listed at 6-foot and 215 pounds last season, Jackson's athleticism and experience should earn him playing time on special teams with the Gators. Jackson was a Class 3A All-State selection as a senior in high school and earned Player of the Year honors from his hometown newspapers.
That doesn't mean anything in a backfield with Johnson, Etienne and Carroll, but Jackson has been productive his entire career and if given a chance, perhaps he can add another twist to the offense. Jackson proved a dependable receiver in high school according to the News-Journal, hauling in nine scores and 450 yards receiving to go with 1,127 rushing as a senior.
