Amari Jackson, CB, Boston College
Size:
Height: 5’10” (v) | Weight: 188 lbs (v)
Accomplishments:
Four-star recruit
“Amari Jackson is a fierce competitor who plays with his hair on fire on every snap.”
Strengths:
Physically strong athlete
Hunts for contact
Press-man
Competitive
Consistently blows up tunnel screens
Concerns:
Plays on his heels at times
Hips
Length
Film Analysis:
Amari Jackson is a fierce competitor who plays with his hair on fire on every snap. Aligned primarily as a perimeter corner, Jackson’s competitiveness and fire pop off of his tape. Takes each rep personally and operates with an attitude that defensive coordinators will love. Jackson’s fundamental coverage ability and downhill trigger as a fringe defender showcase an experienced corner despite being undersized with below-average length.
Jackson is best in man coverage, where he enjoys aligning inside the contact window. He has a powerful upper half to jolt wideouts back at the snap. Will not consistently utilize a one- or two-hand punch but will work into the chest of receivers to force separation. Arrives at contact at full speed and is always looking to knock pass-catchers backward. Does not relinquish tackling technique to blow opponents off of their feet, however. Good instincts when playing with his back to the QB (1 INT and 5 PBUs in 2022/23). Fights through contact and makes each target a hassle to corral for WRs.
In zone coverage, Jackson showcases a high-level ability to diagnose routes. Plays at a relaxed tempo with a fluid backpedal (almost baiting QBs to throw his way) only to rapidly work into throwing lanes. Stays low in his backpedal with an electric trigger downhill (INT return for TD vs. Georgia Tech). Does not have the top-end speed or acceleration to carry opponents with ease vertically, but works to keep everything in front.
As a run defender, there may not be a more competitive corner in the nation. Consistently hunts for contact and is not afraid to mix it up with much larger bodies at the line of scrimmage. Will overpower much larger wideouts after diagnosing the run and chase ball-carriers until the whistle. Can take opponents down in a variety of ways and is an excellent blitzer from the fringe areas, as well. Energy is overwhelmingly apparent and is someone whose fire and intensity showcase a leader within a defense.
Concerns remain about his overall size and length, which may require a move to the inside in the future. Could also project as a smaller, box safety due to his downhill trigger and physical brand of football. Jackson’s footwork is inconsistent at times, as well. Hips are tight when asked to flip and run. If Jackson is not able to generate contact inside the legal window, more nuanced wideouts can give him issues at a variety of depths. In man, although patient, he’ll sit on his heels inviting contact to ultimately disrupt timing. Slippier and quicker wideouts have little issue gaining separation in scenarios where Jackson cannot establish position—a very coachable concern, however.
Overall, Jackson projects as a versatile, multi-phase contributor due to his instincts, elite competitiveness, and production as a perimeter corner. Size and future role will likely remain the primary concerns for teams down the line.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific
Written by: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: SMU (2023), Georgia Tech (2023), Miami (2023)
