2021 Texarkana (Tex.) Pleasant Grove defensive end Landon Jackson quietly made an unofficial visit to LSU before the dead period hit and the Tigers clearly took the edge in his recruitment as he committed to Ed Orgeron & Co., he announced on Twitter Sunday night.
Texas A&M held the Crystal Ball edge for the Aggies legacy while programs like Alabama, Ohio State, Texas and others have also been recruiting the four-star prospect hard. LSU took control of the Crystal Ball Sunday afternoon.
247Sports ranks Jackson as the No. 69 overall prospect in the nation, No. 5 weak-side defensive end nationally and No. 11 overall prospect in Texas. The industry-generated 247Sports Composite ranks Jackson as the No. 106 overall prospect in America, No. 3 weak-side defensive end nationally and No. 19 overall prospect in Texas.
In 2019 en route to earning 4A Defensive Player of the Year honors, Jackson racked up 110 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, eight pass breakups, seven forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries, including one for a touchdown. On the offensive side of the ball, Jackson caught six balls for 111 yards and one touchdown.
Here's a look at his 247Sports scouting report from 247Sports recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks:
"Elite height. Enormous frame with a ton of space to add bulk to already impressive build. Put together like a college hybrid edge. Has played variety of spots for perennial Texas 4A D-II state title contender, including off-line, standing edge, and traditional end. Provided outstanding production for state title team as a junior.
"Frame potential suggests possibility to fit multiple positions in varying schemes. Flashes quick get-off with terrific closing speed in pursuit. Dangerous from the backside. Fairly fluid as a rusher, bends pretty well relative to height/length, and runs the arc naturally. Bona fide playmaker who makes impact stops. Arrives with a purpose and can provide the big hit at times. Also flips to play tight end in run-first scheme.
"Comes from an outstanding high school program with ample big-game experience. High cut and struggles maintaining pad leverage at times. Heavier, physical linemen can get inside his length and neutralize his athleticism. Playmaking drive sometimes runs him out of plays. Still developing full move set as pass-rusher and building disengaging consistency against phone booth power in the run game. Missed final several games of sophomore year with ACL injury.
"Long-term positional home is somewhat of a question that will be answered by physical development of elite frame in the coming couple of years. Naturally gifted, toolsy defensive end with a very high ceiling. Could become impact defensive end/edge player at the high-major level with early-round NFL Draft ceiling."
With Jackson on board, LSU holds seven commitments in the 2021 recruiting class and now ranks No. 18 overall in the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting rankings.
