Freshman Phenom 6.0: LSU RB Kaleb Jackson Dazzling For The Tigers
LSU running back Kaleb Jackson stole the show during Saturday’s Fall Camp scrimmage after a productive stretch of preseason practices.
The freshman back has the chance to make an impact for the Tigers sooner rather than later and this program understands the talent they have in the Baton Rouge native.
Jackson, who arrived on campus over the summer, has carved out a role in a deep running back room this month. Brian Kelly and his staff will have eight scholarship backs on the 2023 roster, but for the true freshman, he could see the field as a youngster.
What has Jackson done during Fall Camp to impress this coaching staff? Does he have the chance to become a freshman phenom for the Tigers?
A dive into Jackson’s game:
Slithery Runner
Jackson isn’t a small running back by any means but he’s smart with the football in his hands. He can find the open hole with his elite-level vision and slither his way behind his offensive line to break open a big run.
The 6-foot-, 225-pound freshman bounces off of defenders and showcased what makes him so special during Saturday’s scrimmage. Jackson took a screen pass from Garrett Nussmeier to the end zone on a 72-yard touchdown.
It was as impressive of a run as we’ve seen from this running back room during Fall Camp as Jackson continues to shine. After catching the pass out of the backfield, Jackson turned up field, shedding three tackles before showcasing his track speed down the left sideline to the end zone.
Track Speed
The top end speed Jackson attains is as impressive as it gets for a true freshman. He shined on the track during high school and uses it to the best of his abilities on the gridiron. During Fall Camp, he’s put it all together when he gets the ball in open space.
The Tigers running back room has a variety of different talents, but when it comes to players with the highest ceilings, Jackson has to be near the top. The combination of speed, balance and strength gives him the chance to be one of the next greats out of Baton Rouge.
If Jackson continues on the trajectory he’s on, Kelly and Co. could have an all-purpose back sooner rather than later for this program.
Other Freshman Phenom Stories:
Freshman Phenom 1.0: LSU TE Ka'Morreun Pimpton Turning Heads
Freshman Phenom 2.0: LSU DB Javien Toviano Impressing Early
Freshman Phenom 3.0: The Rise of LSU CB Ashton Stamps
Freshman Phenom 4.0: LSU DE Dashawn Womack Playing Above His Age
Freshman Phenom 5.0: Hometown Hero Shelton Sampson Jr, Shining
