Nebraska legacy Jackson Carpenter commits to the Huskers over Kansas
Lincoln (Neb.) Southwest athlete Jackson Carpenter has announced his decision to commit to Nebraska over Kansas. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Carpenter is being considered to play wide receiver for the Huskers. Carpenter is the son of former Nebraska tight end Tim Carpenter, who played for the Huskers from 1993 to 1997.
Jackson Carpenter has taken multiple trips to Nebraska and Kansas. Earlier this spring, he said the two programs were comparable.
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“I love both programs,” he said. “They are great teams with great coaches. They are both pretty similar programs. It’s going to be a tough choice. We will see how those go with official visits.”
The Huskers see Carpenter as the receiver they would like to put in motion as the Z. Carpenter says he is comfortable playing multiple wide receiver spots.
“Nebraska likes me as a Z type of guy,” he said. “I like to play outside as the flanker or work in the middle of the field. It doesn’t matter. I like them both.”
Carpenter hung up the track spikes after running a 10.68 in the 100 meters, his PR. Later in the meet, he injured his hamstring in the relay. He made some nice improvements last year, running PRs of 10.75/100 and 22.26/200.
Carpenter discusses his commitment to Nebraska
Jackson Carpenter feels a connection to the program from his father. At the same time, visiting Nebraska always felt like he was at home.
“There is the obvious connection with my dad playing there,” Carpenter said. “It’s always felt like home. The program is on the right track to success with this coaching staff and the talent. I think something special is going to happen in the next couple of years.”
Carpenter had connections to the previous staff and admitted that he didn’t know much about the current staff before they arrived in Nebraska. He has gotten to know all of the coaches and trusts them with his decision.
“Before the current staff came to Nebraska, I didn’t know much about them,” he said. “You go down to practices, talking with them, and sitting in their meetings, then you realize they are a trustworthy group.
“I have developed relationships with all of them and I trust all of them with my choice to commit to Nebraska. Obviously, I feel like this is the right choice.”
Carpenter’s father, a former Husker from 1993 to 1997, wanted to support Jackson’s decision-making process and let him make the right decision.
“He’s always said to me that whatever I chose to do that he would support me and be happy,” Carpenter said. “He’s been by my side and very supporting. Obviously he’s very excited that I am a Husker and will follow in his footsteps.”
With his track career over and eight months away from enrolling at Nebraska, Carpenter is back to work getting ready for his senior year.
“Work on the skillset; get stronger and faster,” Carpenter said. “Get ready for my senior season still and I am ready to go. I am excited.”
The Nebraska legacy took two trips to Kansas and also visited Wyoming, Iowa State, South Dakota State, and North Dakota State. Carpenter took seven visits to Nebraska before making his decision.
Carpenter is working academically to graduate in December and enroll at Nebraska in January. He finished his junior season with 28 receptions for 549 yards and seven touchdowns.
