Longhorns make top 10 for elite 2021 WDE Landon Jackson

The Texas Longhorns have received their second nod of the day as a top program for a talented in-state defensive end this Friday afternoon.

2021 Texarkana Pleasant Grove weak-side defensive end Landon Jackson trimmed his list of 22 offers down to a final 10 programs that he’ll shift his focus towards. With the Longhorns remaining in the mix for the big-time edge rusher, Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Washington are the other top contenders for his services.

A four-star prospect, Jackson is no stranger to the Forty Acres, as he’s made nearly a handful of trips to Austin. Jackson has attended the Longhorns Junior Day for the last two years and has made three trips to UT this offseason with his latest being in the early part of May.

Tom Herman and company extended an offer to Jackson while he was on campus last September for an unofficial visit during the game against Tulsa. He presumes to be a key prospect for Texas on the defensive side of the ball and projects as a hybrid B-backer that is called upon to get after the quarterback and be able to cover and make plays in space.

The Longhorns have offered six total weak-side defensive ends up to this point, and Jackson ranks as the second highest-rated player at the position the Horns are targeting. The only other in-state prospect at that specific position Texas is pursuing is Port Arthur Memorial standout Jordon Thomas.

The Texas staff is also in the hunt for Jackson’s teammate, strong-side defensive end Marcus Burris, who lines up on the opposite side of him on Friday nights.

At 6’6, 240 pounds, Jackson is the No. 36 player nationally and No. 3 weak-side defensive end in the 2021 cycle, per the 247Sports Composite.