Getty J.C. Jackson
During the 2018 NFL Draft, one of the immediate needs for the New England Patriots was a defensive back who could shut down top opposing receivers.
While the Patriots signed Stephon Gilmore, they still tried to bring in rookie talent by selecting Duke Dawson and Keion Crossen. But it was after the draft when New England found their cornerback of the future: J.C. Jackson out of Maryland.
Jackson was highly-recruited out of high school and committed to Florida as a four-star defensive back, per 247Sports. Destined to be a home-state hero, Jackson’s career took a quick downhill turn. Here’s the long road that has led him to the Patriots.
1. Jackson Was 2014 Under Armour All-American on Offense
When the current defensive star was in high school, Jackson was best known for his electrifying ability on offense. A four-star wide receiver who was a two-way starter for Immokalee High School, Jackson was looked at as a potential college wideout. He was even selected to the Under Armour All-American High School football game.
The game featured the likes of Deshaun Watson, Leonard Fournette, and Myles Garrett among several other NFL products and suited up on Team Black.
2. Jackson Played Only One Collegiate Game With Florida Due to Injury, Finished Career With Maryland
After committing to the Florida Gators, Jackson suffered a shoulder injury in his first collegiate game, sidelining him for the season. It was the only game he would play for the Gators in his career before being kicked off the team.
Though the injury disrupted his rookie season, it wasn’t career-ending. He would play in junior college the following season before ending his collegiate career at Maryland.
3. Jackson Was Arrested on 4 Felony Charges, Later Acquitted
During that 2014-15 school year, J.C. Jackson was arrested on four armed robbery charges, as Vic Micolucci of WJXT revealed, citing the report from the Gainesville Police Department. The details of the situation come courtesy of police and cite the victim of the robbery allowing Jackson into the apartment with two others, per Micolucci.
“Once inside, Jackson quickly left and one of the two B/M’s pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the resident and two of his friends who were visiting. The suspects made the victims get on the floor where they removed money from the victim’s pockets. The resident’s weed and Xbox were also taken. The suspects were seen leaving in a red “Nissan” type car. Jackson was positively identified. He later turned himself into the ASO Jail.”
Here’s @GainesvillePD summary on arrest of Gator football player JC Jackson. http://t.co/BdpwmzjNwV
Just under seven months later, Niko Clemmons of WCJB20 news reported the news that Jackson was found not guilty on any counts.
4. He Considered Quitting Football in 2016
Following a year at Riverside Community College in California, Jackson was all but done with football. It was his former defensive coordinator at Florida, though, D.J. Durkin, who helped lure him to continue his career.
Jackson and Durkin discussed possible scenarios for the corner to return to Division 1 football. Ahead of the 2016 season, Jackson announced his intention to transfer.
5. Jackson Impressed as a Senior & at the NFL Combine
Jackson finished his junior season at Maryland with three interceptions and seven passes defended. He added 40 tackles and a fumble recovery as Maryland finished 4-8. Following the season, he declared for the NFL Draft and was invited to participate in the combine.
There, he continued to show he had fully recovered from his shoulder injury and exhibited NFL-caliber qualities. Jackson ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and had a 35.5-inch vertical jump. His vertical jump was seventh-best among cornerbacks along with 10th-best in the 40-yard dash.
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J.C. Jackson, Patriots Cornerback: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know