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Tennessee picked up its 20th commitment for the class of 2011 on Wednesday night when ESPNU 150 offensive guard Marcus Jackson from Vero Beach, Florida gave his verbal pledge to Tennessee during the Under Armour All-America Game live on ESPN.
Listed at 6-foot-2, 295 pounds, Jackson is rated as a 4-star prospect, receiving a Scouts Grade of 81 according to ESPN.
Jackson originally committed to Miami-FL, but had a change of heart after head coach Randy Shannon was fired.
ESPN’s Craig Haubert said of the news, “In 2010, the Vols landed an Under Armour All-American offensive lineman and they have now added another one in the 2011 class with Jackson. This is a good pick-up for the Vols as they work to build that offensive line.”
“Jackson can be a physical and tenacious run blocker as he can be quick and explosive coming out of his stance and get under defenders pads, roll his hips, and knock them on their heels. He needs to keep developing as a pass blocker, but displayed during the week at the Under Armour All-America Game that he is a little further ahead in his pass protection than expected and could potentially, if needed like Ja’Wuan James, play as a freshman.”
ESPN Evaluation
Jackson can knock defenders off the line and put them on their backs. Has the size and athleticism for the offensive guard position at the major level of competition. Shows good flexibility in a three point stance; is very quick and explosive coming off the ball low and hard; rolls his hips while playing with a flat back and good fit on initial contact; is able to get up underneath defenders pads, knocking them back on their heels and off the line of scrimmage. His initial quickness, agility and balance are a positive when blocking quick 1st and 2nd level defenders. Is a devastating double team and down blocker; can cave in one side of the defense getting others caught up in traffic. This prospect plays in space with the balance necessary to sustain vs. linebackers; works hard to get a second block downfield. Demonstrates very good quickness coming out of his stance when asked to pull and trap; can get out in front, turn the corner and lead up-field. Shows good short set skill in pass protection; can anchor vs. the power rush while putting his good upper body playing strength to use. Bends well but will need to improve his location and extension. We see a dominant run blocker, capable of moving the pile with his explosion and tough aggressive finishing attitude.
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