McKinnley Jackson, IDL, Texas A&M
Size:
Height: 6’1.5”
Weight: 326 pounds
Arm Length: 33 7/8"
Hand Size: 10”
Accomplishments:
Team Captain (2023, 2022) • SEC All-Freshman Team (2020)
“McKinnley Jackson is a twitched-up defensive tackle who touts one of the higher ceilings at the position in the entire class.”
Strengths:
Explosiveness
Athleticism
Anchor vs. doubles
Range
Concerns:
Hand counters
Utilizing length
Inconsistent stack/shed
Film Analysis:
McKinnley Jackson is an explosive interior athlete. Jackson fires off the snap, consistently jarring opponents back. Often drew double teams due to his innate ability to overpower in isolation opportunities. Moves like a man of much smaller stature.
In the run game, Jackson’s pop off the line can quickly force ball-carriers to redirect their route. Has displayed the use of length, but an increased ability to stack and shed would take his run-game profile to another level. Versatile to play the 0/1/2i/3 within the middle. Excellent anchor against double teams and has a nastiness to throw blockers by the wayside if he feels contact is held too long for his liking. Excellent when pursuing backside and has the speed to chase down longer developing plays away from his gap at more than 300 pounds. Can occasionally make first contact with his helmet and chest, failing to allow his hands to activate.
As a pass rusher, Jackson’s ceiling remains as high as any defensive tackle in the class. High-level twitch. He’s a nightmare to block in obvious passing situations—he works primarily out of a four-point stance. Pass-rush repertoire has evolved season after season. Utilizes a two-hand swipe, club-rip, and a powerful bull rush. Has also displayed a spin move before and after contact is made to disengage from opponents. Excellent twister and is quick to work up into the pocket. Jackson does a nice job of exploiting angles, forcing linemen off-balance and into the lap of the quarterback.
Overall, Jackson is a twitched-up, nuanced defensive tackle who touts one of the higher ceilings at the position in the entire class. He’s versatile for both even and odd fronts, but his explosiveness could best be seen as a 2i in a four-man front.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Exposures: Miami (2023), Alabama (2023), Alabama (2022)
