Dynamic Duncanville QB Ja’Quinden Jackson commits to Texas

For the first time since late March, Tom Herman’s 2020 class has added another member, as dynamic Duncanville quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson brought his recruitment to a close on Monday evening and announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns.

Regarded as a top-50 prospect nationally, per the 247Sports Composite, Jackson provides the Horns’ 2020 class with the new headliner, and Texas can largely thank wide receivers assistant Rashaad Samples for this significant recruiting coup. Samples, the son of Duncanville head coach Reginald Samples, served as the primary tie between Jackson and Texas, which helped the Longhorns separate themselves as the team to beat throughout the vast majority of Jackson’s recruitment.

Prior to his pledge, each of Jackson’s nine Crystal Ball picks favored Texas. His commitment to Texas comes over 25 other offers, with LSU, Texas A&M, TCU, Alabama, and Oklahoma representing some of the other headliners in his recruitment.

Now committed to Texas, the biggest question surrounding the 6’2, 219-pound Jackson becomes which position the nation’s No. 4 athlete prospect ultimately plays when his days at Duncanville are done, as detailed by 247Sports Barton Simmons:

“Powerfully built, athletic, rocked up athlete. High school quarterback that is good enough to play quarterback effectively in college. Athletic traits offer more upside at other positions, most notably on defense as a safety or linebacker. Usually looks like the best player on the field in Texas’ highest classification. Has outstanding competitive temperament. Shows feel and patience as a runner finding holes and creating big plays. Will finish runs with toughness. Lack of experience playing other positions creates significant unknown to his transition. Likely hybrid linebacker that should be able to parlay quarterback instincts into playmaking ability on the next level. Too talented to not become an impact power five talent at some position with early to mid-round NFL Draft upside.”

As his film reveals and 4.61 40-yard dash speed reveals, Jackson is nothing short of an electric talent with the ball in his hands, which paved the way for the dual-threat talent to amassed 1,497 yards and 23 touchdowns on 147 rushing attempts last season. But as Simmons noted, Jackson is good enough to play quarterback effectively in college and at the very least, Jackson plans to continue on that path as a passer.

“I’ve played nothing but quarterback since I’ve been in high school, so it’s no point in trying to change my position now,” Jackson expressed to BON months ago.

Texas recruited Jackson accordingly, so with Austin Lake Travis star Hudson Card already committed, the Longhorns are likely set at the quarterback position this cycle.

With Jackson on board, Texas’ six-man 2020 class climbs to No. 22 in the national rankings and No. 2 in the Big 12.

• Ja’Quinden Jackson — 4-star ATH — Duncanville
• Hudson Card — 4-star QB — Austin Lake Travis
• Jaylen Garth — 4-star OT — Port Neches Groves
• Jake Majors — 4-star OC — Prosper
• Logan Parr — 4-star OG — Helotes O’Connor
• Jaden Hullaby — Dallas Bishop Dunne