Team newbie Justin Jackson has shown good visionary, smartness, and effective running skills for the Los Angeles Chargers. The fast-rising running back made his first professional appearance in week four of the 2018 season after being selected by the Chargers in round six of the 2018 draft. Justin played college football with the Wildcats football team of Northwestern University.
During his college career, Justin broke the school’s record for rushing; thus becoming the leading rusher in the school history as well as the ninth player in the history of NCAA to record over 1,000 rushing yards consecutively for four seasons. Read more about him below.
Justin Jackson’s Brief Biography
The Chargers running back was born as Justin Joseph Jackson to middle-class black American parents Denise Jackson and her husband Phil Jackson Sr. Justin came into this world on the 22nd day of April 1996. Sadly, he lost his mother Denise to breast cancer when he was just three years old. He was then raised alongside his two older siblings by their stepmom Veronica Jackson. Right from a very young age, the running back developed a passion for football and when he was in high school, Justin kicked off his football career. He completed his basic education at Glenbard North High School where he played football along with his brother Phil Jackson Jr.
Soon after his graduation from high school, Justin went to Northwestern University where he continued his college career. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in the French language in 2017. Upon the completion of his University education, Justin declared his interest to play professional football, hence joining the list of 2018 NFL draft prospects. Learn more about the running back in these five facts below.
Justin Jackson Comes from an Athletic Family
The Chargers running back comes from a lineage of athletes, you’re free to say that sports runs in his veins. His brother Phil Jackson is a talented football player who played the running back position while at Northwestern Missouri State University; he successfully led his team to win two Division II championships. He has an uncle named Joe Ballard who played college football at Florida A&M University. In addition, Justin’s Cousin Nicole Ekhomu is also a basketball star for the Florida State Women’s basketball team.
He was a Five-star College Prospect while at Glenbard North High School
The youngster started playing football when he was in second grade and was trained by his elder brother Phil. Being a very gifted child, it didn’t take time for Justin to master his way about in the field. He made a wonderful impact during his high school career. Meanwhile, he schooled at Glenbard North High School where he held a record for rushing yards. Justin was equally rated sixth all-time rusher in Illinois High School Association (IHSA) history with career yards of 6,531. As a result of his wonderful performances, Justin finished his career as one of the best rushers in his school; he also got a five-star rating from sporting websites such as Scout.com and 247Sports.com.
He is one of the Most Successful Running Backs at Northwestern University
Soon after his graduation from high school, Justin joined the Northwestern Wildcats football team of Northwestern University for his college career. As a freshman, the running back made 22 receptions, ten touchdowns, and rushed for 1,187 yards. Afterward, he got All-Big Ten first-team honors for his brilliant performance. He equally got his second All-Big ten team honors after finishing his sophomore year with a record of five touchdowns, 21 receptions, and 1,418 yards. Notably, Justin led the NCAA in rushing yards throughout his four college seasons. He amassed over a thousand yards in each of his college football seasons.
Justin Made the 2018 Draft in the Sixth Round
Finishing his college career on a good note, Justin Jackson entered the 2018 NFL draft where he was projected to make a team in the seventh round or possibly go undrafted. Fortunately for him, the running back made the Los Angeles Chargers list in the seventh round of the draft. Amazingly, he was the 251st player to be selected overall. Joining the Chargers, Justin had a hard time making the team’s active roster for the 2018 season. He was laid off by the Chargers on 3rd September and was sent to the Chargers practice squad.
Interestingly, Jackson was later upgraded to the active roster on 24th September. He made his first professional appearance in their week four game against the San Francisco 49ers. Following the absence of Chargers running backs Austin Ekeler and Melvin Gordon, he was named the starting running back for the team. As of week 15 of the 2018 regular season, the player has recorded 197 rushing yards, eight receptions, and two touchdowns.
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His Has Incredible Body Measurements
Justin Jackson has been successful in his football career, all thanks to his agility and wonderful physique. The running back stands at a height of 6 feet and weighs 90 kg (199 pounds). He has an arm length of 30 5/8 inches and a hand size of 9 ½ inches. In addition, Justin has black hair and brown eyes.
