Miami DL Target Kendall Jackson Talks Upcoming Official Visits

Class of 2024 defensive lineman Kendall Jackson has a busy month of June ahead of him, as the 6-foot-4 defender is set to make official visits to three schools: Florida during the weekend of June 2, Kentucky during the weekend of June 16 and Miami during the weekend of June 23.

Jackson told LifeWallet Sports that the message from these programs has been similar.

“All the schools that I’m taking my [official visits] to this summer are all [saying] the same thing, that I’m a top guy, top priority and that I’m the kind of player they need and want in their program.”

On his visit to Miami, Jackson is looking forward to checking out the “academic area” of the school, even though he’s already visited UM multiple times, this will be his first time taking a thorough campus visit.

Jackson also mentioned that the Miami coaches he’s been talking to regularly are defensive line coaches Jason Taylor and Joe Salave’a, defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and head coach Mario Cristobal.

Jackson, who says that “academics”, “development” and “relationships” will factor into his final decision, is aiming to commit in either early August or in the middle of his senior season.

The Player

Jackson had a breakout junior season at Buchholz (Fla.) High School, finishing the year with 65 tackles, 12.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He played mostly at defensive tackle or defensive end but is expected to play on the edge in his senior year.

According to Jackson, his ability to rush the passer was the area of his game that grew the most in his junior campaign.

“My pass rush improved most, taking on double teams,” Jackson said. “Striking blocks has improved.”

The offseason focus for Jackson is to improve in the run game and add more tools to his pass-rushing arsenal.