Get to Know Your Orange Man: #85, WR Courtney Jackson

Name: Courtney Jackson

Position: Wide Receiver

Year: Redshirt Freshman

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 173 lbs

Hometown: Monroeville, Pa.

High School: Gateway

2020 stats: When I wrote this last year, I said Jackson was a “potential breakout receiver,” and I wasn’t wrong, per say. Jackson was given plenty of snaps to make a mark, appearing in all 11 games in the slot. However, he only ended up with 10 catches for a nice 69 yards, which is not a breakout.

2021 projections: I’m on record saying that Taj Harris to the slot seems to make the most sense for this offense. Sterlin Gilbert is on record saying they expect to line Harris outside and let him run straight. Should the latter happen, Jackson is one of a handful of wide outs who could line up in the slot on a regular basis, depending on performance. Jackson certainly makes the most sense, having played there all of last season. However, this seems like a position primed for competition based on camp performance and relationships with the eventual starting QB.

How’d he get here?: Jackson’s offer list included West Virginia, Boston College, Kentucky and Baylor (among others).

What’d recruiting sites say?: 3 stars, except for Rivals who is #hater, doling out 2 stars.

Money quote: So remember those 2021 predictions? They’re going to hinge on Jackson’s in game catch ability. Last year versus Duke, Jackson was given a major role in the offensive gameplan, and we’ll let the DO tell ya how it went.

“Three drops came on long throws from quarterback Tommy DeVito, the first being a ball that Courtney Jackson saw fall right through his hands in the first half... The third, which came on a third down and long where DeVito escaped the pass rush, hit Jackson’s hands.“

Cut back on the drops, and we’ll be hearing Babers praising Jackson in the DO this season.

Twitter feed: cjackson9_

Tweets of wonder: Let’s throw it back to Jackson’s visit to ‘Cuse.

What movie would Dino recommend for him?: This isn’t a make or break season for Jackson, but with the transfer portal, it sure feels like a pivotal season for him regarding his time in ‘Cuse. With that, I’m guessing Babers goes Bottom of the Ninth, a last opportunity sports movie starring Pittsburgh native and philanthropist Joe Manganiello.

Interesting nugget o’interest: Jackson was a decorated high school track star, starring in the triple jump.

Let’s get a look at ya: Here’s a look at why ‘Cuse coaches were excited he signed with ‘Cuse.