Penn State Enriches its Linebacker Room With a 2024 Commit

Penn State enriched its future linebacker room Tuesday, when 4-star prospect Kari Jackson announced his commitment to the Lions' 2024 recruiting class. Jackson made his decision public on social media.

Blessed and thankful to announce my commitment as a student-athlete to Penn State University!!! #WeAre #LBU pic.twitter.com/XUBa8CqLaz
— Kari Jackson (@Kari_Jackson24) February 28, 2023

Jackson, from West Bloomfield, Michigan, became the third player (and second linebacker) in Penn State's 2024 class. He joined Anthony Speca, the top-ranked linebacker in Pennsylvania, in committing to Penn State.

The 6-2, 215-pound Jackson chose Penn State over a final list that included Wisconsin, Maryland, Missouri and Cincinnati. According to the 247Sports Composite, Jackson ranks as the No. 30 linebacker nationally and the No. 9 player in Michigan for the 2024 recruiting cycle.

Jackson played his freshman season at West Bloomfield, spent his sophomore year at IMG Academy in Florida and returned to West Bloomfield as a junior. He played seven games last season for West Bloomfield, making 103 tackles, 26 for loss. Jackson made the Detroit News all-state football team for Divisions 1-2.

Jackson's commitment bolsters Penn State's strong group of recent linebacker recruits. Abdul Carter was an all-Big Ten player as a freshman, and head coach James Franklin and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz consider the 2023 linebacker recruits to be potential early contributors.

Before the Rose Bowl, both Franklin and Diaz raved about linebackers Tony Rojas, Ta'Mere Robinson and Kaveion Keys, the trio of 2023 commits who could make the position formidable over the next few seasons.

"The good thing is we have flexibility with all three of those guys," Franklin said. "All three have really good tape. All three of them are really good students. I know they're excited about the opportunity of coming here, coming in and competing in what's going to be one of the better linebacker rooms in the country, especially the way we've been able to get Abdul to develop in his first year on campus.

"It's going to be a fun position to watch over the next year."

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AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.

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