The next player up in the offseason recruiting profiles is the 6-foot 3-inch, 210 pound receiver, Daniel Jackson. Jackson is out of Steele High School located in Cibolo, Texas.

Although he suffered an injury before his senior season, he was able to tally 88 catches with nearly 1300 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his two year varsity career. Jackson was listed as a 3-star recruit and a top 100 receiver according to 247sports. Daniel Jackson also received an invite to the All-American Bowl, held in San Antonio, Texas as one of 104 players throughout the country to be invited.

The last recruiting profile featured Cole Peterson, where Jake Brend took a look into the 1A football product. Now to the opposite end of the spectrum. Daniel Jackson comes from a 6A school in Texas, a place where football is a lifestyle.

Style

Standing at 6-3, 210 pounds, he is not undersized by any means. However, he is not the go-up-and-get-it type player that ISU fans are used to seeing, such as a Hakeem Butler or Allen Lazard. He could, however, remind you of a La’Michael Pettway-type. I know I am not yet to the comparison portion, but he has a very similar style of play.

Jackson’s got great footwork and uses it to his advantage often. Daniel might not have that breakaway speed quite yet, but he has the power to breakdown cornerbacks and create separation down the field. As an excellent route runner, he could be a great weapon for any quarterback, regardless of what route a coach throws at him.

Film

*All highlights courtesy of Hudl

While mentioned before that Jackson isn’t the go up and get it guy, he still is very capable of concentrating on the football and coming down with it. This ball was a bit under-thrown, but Jackson makes the adjustment he had to make in order to make the catch.

Tom Manning is definitely not afraid to throw up that 50-50 football, but Daniel Jackson might not be the first option for that play when he gets to Ames, with the likes of Joseph Scates and Charlie Kolar to take care of those fade routes. He actually runs a very clean go route by keeping his head down until he’s past the corner, and could have taken this one all the way if the past was not underthrown.

This play is a fun one. Just a simple slant route that Jackson took full advantage of. Between his footwork and his ability to flip his hips towards the quarterback, he runs this to perfection and nearly takes it to house. Also, that spin move would have even Chris Berman saying WHOOP!

Iowa State does not run a lot of these types of plays where a slant from the #1 wideout is the first read, but DeShaunte Jones racked up all sorts of catches on these short crossing patterns. Jackson could run these routes from anywhere on the field, whether it’s in the slot or as the outside guy. He is quick enough to get open and finds space in between linebackers and defensive backs to execute this play to perfection.

Daniel Jackson’s route on this is unbelievable as a junior in high school. He attacks the defenders toes, stops, breaks down the corner, and uses his quickness to zoom by en route to the endzone. She’s a beaut, Clark.

Plays like these typically take longer than the average play to develop, but if Jackson can run this good of a route, the quarterback should have no problem finding him after a double move.

Some more of the same here, Jackson breaks down the defender on a slant and turns his hips quickly and stays in stride to take it all the way to the endzone.

Once again, a slant like this is virtually unguardable against a man defense when the receiver breaks down a defensive player like Jackson does here. This route is tailor-made for an RPO scheme.

Getting jammed on this play, Jackson uses a quick move to bust outside and find himself wide open down the field. Even after battling the press, he does a great job of concentrating and finding the football while maintaining possession inbounds to make a great catch.

A lot of body control goes into this play and that is nothing new to the receiving room at Iowa State. Back shoulder fades have been used frequently in recent years to catch the defensive backs off-guard and steal a quick touchdown. With his concentration and control, he will fit in very well with the route concepts Tom Manning typically draws up.

Player Comparison

Although he is a bit taller, a comparison could be made to Chicago Bears receiver, Anthony Miller. Even though Miller is only 5 foot 11 and Jackson is 6 foot 3, they share the same qualities. Quick feet to beat defenders, fast hips, and high-level route running. They both constantly fight for extra yards, but are not the fastest guys on the field. However, they are capable of big plays at anytime despite not getting a lot of 50/50 balls thrown their way.

Scheme Fit

In recent years, the Iowa State receiving corps has been very strong. Lots of tall receivers that could get over defenders to make big plays. DeShaunte Jones graduating is a big loss, for the ‘Clones, but Daniel Jackson could help in the effort of replacing one of the most productive receivers in school history.

His ability to control his body and still be quick makes him very versatile and could land him playing time at any receiver position. Jackson’s route running could help him run a lot of those crossing routes that DeShaunte Jones ran in previous years, potentially making him a potential weapon for Matt Campbell and company.

Final Verdict

Looking at Daniel Jackson’s stats, it is easy to be underwhelmed. He was not able to play his senior year due to injury, but was very productive in his junior season. Jackson shows a lot of potential with all the tangibles he brings to the table. The staff has been able to develop receivers and a 6-3, 220 pound frame is a great place to build a foundation from. Whether he makes an immediate difference for Iowa State or not, this kid has a ton of upside and potential for the future.