2025 four-star Lance Jackson commits to Texas
Texas landed one of the top athletes in the 2025 class today when Texarkana (Texas) Pleasant Grove four-star EDGE Lance Jackson committed to the Longhorns following his visit to Austin for junior day.
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“I just love the Horns,” Jackson told Inside Texas. “I grew up with my family loving them and then I also just love Austin and the atmosphere.”
Jackson held 25 offers including Alabama, LSU, Arkansas, and Texas A&M. But ultimately the 6-foot-5, 240-pound East Texas product picked UT.
“I think (Pete Kwiatkowski) is a really smart coach and he knows what he’s doing,” Jackson said. “I think (Steve Sarkisian) is building Texas to be a dynasty and just love what he’s doing.”
Jackson is a multi-sport athlete that was once considered a top pitching prospect on the diamond. His older brother, Landon Jackson, was also a top prospect that signed with LSU and transferred to Arkansas.
Lance Jackson and Kwiatkowski’s relationship dated back to PK’s Washington days and Jackson was ready to close the book on his recruitment.
Detailed evaluation on Jackson, via IT staff.
How he fits at Texas: Lance Jackson is a massive #bEASTtexas prospect currently garnering an ATH (for athlete) designation because he might play either defensive end or tight end. In fact, at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds with a big frame, his future may include a few other positions as well.
His strength is using quick feet and amazing length to control the terms of engagement with opponents and dominate blocks. It’s easy to imagine him developing into a well rounded Jack who develops pass rush moves, sets the edge, and could also learn to drop into coverage effectively. He’s an easy mover who can do a lot of things well and will eventually be doing them at 270 pounds or more.
Strengths: Excellent height and frame for the position. He’s a mountain. Well-proportioned and will easily add weight to this frame. Impressive wingspan on display as both a defensive player and pass catching tight end. First step is very quick and plays head up. Quick to diagnose the play. Changes direction really well for a man his size and looks pretty fluid in space. Lower body power is notable and his breakdown to tackle mechanic is remarkably smooth for such a tall player. Delivers noticeable power through the ball carrier. As a run defender, will stay square to the line and box the end man. Frequently dominated 1:1 run blocking as his length could not be outleveraged by most opponents. As a pass rusher, flashes both athleticism and technique. Easily converts speed to power, and simply destroys bad technique fighting to the inside gap. As a tight end, played as H-back & detached Y. A willing blocker. Shows decent hands and uses his body very well to gain and keep position on defenders. Between height and lower body explosiveness has great high point ability. Gets moving upfield quickly after the catch.
Areas for Improvement: Straight line speed seems to bleed after 5-10 yards. Needs to be more consistent in locking out blockers from getting into his frame. Needs to be consistent in extending his arms. He gets upright at times and doesn’t consistently anchor, which can lead to him getting off balance and turned around. This may have been playing through injury. Upper body strength is a bit of a question and opponent film shows effective double teams driving him backwards. Minimal film of him taking on pullers.
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Jackson is the fifth commitment in the Longhorns’ 2025 class.
