Alabama Crimson Tide: Eddie Jackson
Editor's note: TideNation will use this week to look at the four major positions on the football field and how their outlook has changed post-spring practice. Today we examine the secondary:
Who's leading?
Geno Smith came on like a bullet last season, and it appears his momentum won't slow down anytime soon. The former four-star prospect earned playing time late last season as a freshman, and he should be in line for a starting job this fall. He had a strong showing during spring practice, aided by the absence of senior John Fulton who was sidelined with a turf toe injury. Smith will start alongside Deion Belue, who was picked on for much of this past season -- his first at Alabama.
Who's leading?
Geno Smith came on like a bullet last season, and it appears his momentum won't slow down anytime soon. The former four-star prospect earned playing time late last season as a freshman, and he should be in line for a starting job this fall. He had a strong showing during spring practice, aided by the absence of senior John Fulton who was sidelined with a turf toe injury. Smith will start alongside Deion Belue, who was picked on for much of this past season -- his first at Alabama.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Crimson Tide first to offer 2015 athlete 
March, 26, 2013
Mar 26
1:19
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama has a knack for finding talent on the recruiting trail. It’s why they’ve won back-to-back national championships. Recently the staff discovered Shawn Burgess-Becker (Coconut Creek, Fla./Monarch), a 2015 athlete.
It didn’t matter that Burgess-Becker didn’t have any scholarship offers yet. New UA assistant coach Mario Cristobal called last week to give him one from the Crimson Tide.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Editor's note: This is a series introducing Alabama's 2013 recruiting class that will continue to run after signing day.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The recruiting process started late for four-star athlete Eddie Jackson, but it didn’t take long for him to make a decision. After earning a scholarship from Alabama and taking his official visit to Tuscaloosa, he knew he wanted to sign with the Crimson Tide. Jackson played on both sides of the ball in high school, but he’s expected to start out at cornerback for Alabama. Head coach Nick Saban told him he has a chance to play early.
Q: What made you sign with Alabama?
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The recruiting process started late for four-star athlete Eddie Jackson, but it didn’t take long for him to make a decision. After earning a scholarship from Alabama and taking his official visit to Tuscaloosa, he knew he wanted to sign with the Crimson Tide. Jackson played on both sides of the ball in high school, but he’s expected to start out at cornerback for Alabama. Head coach Nick Saban told him he has a chance to play early.
Q: What made you sign with Alabama?
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The O-zone: Grading the 2013 class
February, 13, 2013
Feb 13
8:30
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Last week, the University of Alabama inked the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class for the second year in a row. The class was made up of prospects from 13 different states and featured a combination of skill players and interior linemen.
This week’s O-zone takes a closer look at the class, breaking down its strengths and weaknesses, and singling out a few players who could stand out when they get on campus.
This week’s O-zone takes a closer look at the class, breaking down its strengths and weaknesses, and singling out a few players who could stand out when they get on campus.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Recruits react to Stoutland's departure
February, 8, 2013
Feb 8
1:59
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It’s now official. Alabama offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland will take the same job with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was considered one of the best in college football at his position, but what does his departure mean for the Crimson Tide on the recruiting trail?
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- By any statistical measurement, Alabama's signing class this year was a success. The number of ESPN 300 members who faxed in their paperwork was staggering. Thirteen signees were ranked in the top 10 nationally at their positions.
The No. 1 class ranking was just a distinction. Simply hauling in top recruits won't get a team too far. UA coach Nick Saban knows this well. As he and his staff were building the class, they had goals in mind. The road map was simple.
"We didn’t change the recruiting strategy," Saban said. "We define the kind of players that we want, and they have critical factors at each position. I think we added fast-twitch, pass-rushing athletic guys to the defensive line category as being a higher priority because of spread offenses, more spread offenses, more athletic quarterbacks -- those types of things, the same things that NFL teams are talking about when they play against RG3 or [Colin] Kaepernick or Russell Wilson from Seattle, who are athletic and run the ball. We have to be able to adapt to that kind of athleticism and that means we have to be more athletic to do that."
In other words, Saban is gearing up for three more years of Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies were the only team to beat Alabama in 2012, and after watching the future Heisman Trophy winner carve up his defense, Saban is ready to react.
The No. 1 class ranking was just a distinction. Simply hauling in top recruits won't get a team too far. UA coach Nick Saban knows this well. As he and his staff were building the class, they had goals in mind. The road map was simple.
"We didn’t change the recruiting strategy," Saban said. "We define the kind of players that we want, and they have critical factors at each position. I think we added fast-twitch, pass-rushing athletic guys to the defensive line category as being a higher priority because of spread offenses, more spread offenses, more athletic quarterbacks -- those types of things, the same things that NFL teams are talking about when they play against RG3 or [Colin] Kaepernick or Russell Wilson from Seattle, who are athletic and run the ball. We have to be able to adapt to that kind of athleticism and that means we have to be more athletic to do that."
In other words, Saban is gearing up for three more years of Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies were the only team to beat Alabama in 2012, and after watching the future Heisman Trophy winner carve up his defense, Saban is ready to react.
The O-zone: Jackson pledges, who's left?
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
9:54
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It’s just a week until national signing day, and the University of Alabama added another key piece to its 2013 class when four-star athlete Eddie Jackson committed to the Crimson Tide over LSU on Wednesday.
Alabama’s class now has 22 commitments and room for just a few more. Who will fill those remaining spots before next week?
This week’s O-zone looks at how Jackson’s commitment affects the rest of the class, which position is still a priority for the Tide and what surprise junior college prospect could sign with the Tide.
Alabama’s class now has 22 commitments and room for just a few more. Who will fill those remaining spots before next week?
This week’s O-zone looks at how Jackson’s commitment affects the rest of the class, which position is still a priority for the Tide and what surprise junior college prospect could sign with the Tide.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Eddie Jackson has come a long way. The four-star athlete was an unknown until late in the recruiting cycle. On Wednesday, he gave a verbal commitment to the University of Alabama, the reigning national champions.
“I like how the program is run,” Jackson said. “It’s just everything that they stand for. I can be that guy from Fort Lauderdale, the first guy to come up there and have a chance, a chance to go up there and play.”
The Florida native had a number of other offers to choose from including Florida State, LSU and Tennessee, but ultimately, he couldn’t turn down a chance to play for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.
During his official visit to Tuscaloosa earlier this month, Jackson sat down with the Alabama head coach, and Saban told the No. 54-ranked wide receiver that he has a chance to compete for a spot at cornerback as a freshman.
- Eddie Jackson
- Wide receiver
- 2013
- Uncommitted: List
| Pos Rk | Stars | Grade | Hometown |
| 53 | | 81 | Pompano Beach, FL |
The Florida native had a number of other offers to choose from including Florida State, LSU and Tennessee, but ultimately, he couldn’t turn down a chance to play for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.
During his official visit to Tuscaloosa earlier this month, Jackson sat down with the Alabama head coach, and Saban told the No. 54-ranked wide receiver that he has a chance to compete for a spot at cornerback as a freshman.
Four-star athlete Eddie Jackson will announce his college decision on Twitter around 8 a.m. ET Wednesday morning. The Florida native has taken official visits to Alabama, Florida State and LSU and will decide between the Crimson Tide and the Tigers.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Rewind: Tide targets take SEC visits
January, 28, 2013
Jan 28
1:15
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- After hosting back-to-back important official visitor weekends, the University of Alabama looked on this weekend as many of their remaining 2013 targets visited other schools such as Georgia, LSU and Tennessee.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The O-zone: Battles for the final spots
January, 23, 2013
Jan 23
9:00
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It’s stretch time for the University of Alabama. With the exception of five-star defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes, the Crimson Tide have hosted all of their remaining targets for official visits, and now it’s a countdown to signing day.
Over the weekend, the UA staff and commitment Bradley Bozeman agreed to a grayshirt next year, which opens up another spot in the 2013 class. The Tide now can add five, possibly six more recruits over the next two weeks.
This week’s O-zone looks at who is most likely to fill the remaining spots and also previews this weekend’s junior day in Tuscaloosa.
Over the weekend, the UA staff and commitment Bradley Bozeman agreed to a grayshirt next year, which opens up another spot in the 2013 class. The Tide now can add five, possibly six more recruits over the next two weeks.
This week’s O-zone looks at who is most likely to fill the remaining spots and also previews this weekend’s junior day in Tuscaloosa.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Tide emerge for Florida athlete after visit
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
5:06
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- A month ago Alabama wasn’t even on the radar for Florida athlete Eddie Jackson. He didn’t have a scholarship offer from the Crimson Tide, and he had never been to Tuscaloosa. That has since changed.
Two weeks ago, the UA staff extended an offer to Jackson, and over the weekend, he took his official visit to Alabama.
Two weeks ago, the UA staff extended an offer to Jackson, and over the weekend, he took his official visit to Alabama.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Rewind: Top recruits take in Tuscaloosa
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
9:00
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Coming off its second straight national championship, the University of Alabama hosted a parade on Saturday to honor this year’s team. With more than 30,000 people coming into town, it was a perfect weekend to host recruits, and the Crimson Tide took advantage, hosting 12 official visitors.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Eddie Jackson (Pompana Beach, Fla./Boyd Anderson) received a welcome visit Tuesday when an SEC coach came calling.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Noles pitch ATH Jackson; Bama, LSU next
January, 13, 2013
Jan 13
6:13
PM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
Highly-recruited athlete Eddie Jackson (Lauderdale Lakes, Fla./Boyd Anderson) was thought to be a near-lock for Florida State when the Seminoles offered two months ago. Since then, though, the 6-foot-1, 178-pound senior has received some major offers from top SEC programs.
Jackson recently was offered by Alabama and will take official visits to Alabama, LSU and Arkansas in the next three weeks, so this weekend’s official visit to Florida State was a chance for the Seminoles to get some distance between themselves and the stout competition.
Jackson recently was offered by Alabama and will take official visits to Alabama, LSU and Arkansas in the next three weeks, so this weekend’s official visit to Florida State was a chance for the Seminoles to get some distance between themselves and the stout competition.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ABOUT TIDE NATION
Greg Ostendorf
Greg Ostendorf joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama football and basketball recruiting at the Tuscaloosa News and Rivals.com. Ostendorf graduated from the University of Alabama and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at gsostendorf.espn@gmail.com.
Alex Scarborough
Alex Scarborough joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama athletics and high school football for The Tuscaloosa News. He currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at alexscarborough.espn@gmail.com.