Oklahoma freshman’s latest honor achieves something no Lincoln Riley recruit ever did
Today marks a first for the Oklahoma Sooners. Despite a disappointing 2024 season, the Sooners placed two defenders on the First-Team All-SEC. However, one defender earned a recognition that no Oklahoma freshman has earned for the Sooners in quite some time. Defensive tackle Jayden Jackson was named to the Freshman All-SEC Team after his efforts […]
Today marks a first for the Oklahoma Sooners. Despite a disappointing 2024 season, the Sooners placed two defenders on the First-Team All-SEC. However, one defender earned a recognition that no Oklahoma freshman has earned for the Sooners in quite some time.
Defensive tackle Jayden Jackson was named to the Freshman All-SEC Team after his efforts this season. Selections were made by the league’s head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own players.
What makes this honor so interesting is that this is the first time a Sooner has earned any freshman postseason recognition since 2017. The last time any Oklahoma player earned an official conference postseason award, it was Kenneth Murray, who was named the co-defensive freshman of the year.
An Indianapolis, Ind., product, who finished high school at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, Jackson has played in all 12 games, made nine starts at defensive tackle this season for the Sooners, and was named a True Freshman All-American by On3.
At the start of the season, Jackson surprised many by being listed as a starter on the team's initial depth chart. He became just the fourth OU true freshman to start on the defensive line in a season opener and the first since Tommie Harris in 2001. He rewarded that faith with a terrific season.
His stats appear modest with 28 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and a pass breakup, but his impact on film couldn't be denied. Jackson occupied blockers with his massive frame and play strength, keeping other defenders free and clean to make plays on the ball carrier. He also did a terrific job of closing rushing lanes and forcing runners to bounce out of the designed play into other defenders.
I don't think it's hyperbole to say Jackson was a top-five defender on the team this season. His presence was the key to Oklahoma finishing with one of the best run defenses in the country.
We wondered how well the Sooners' defense would match up with its SEC contemporaries. I think this season silenced those concerns.
