Nation’s No. 1 LB recaps second visit to Alabama of the spring

There was plenty of excitement when Alabama’s spring visit schedule would feature weeks where over 100 recruits would get on campus for visits.

Although spring practice has wrapped up, it’s always intriguing to see which recruits step foot on campus afterward to get even more quality time with the staff. Two weekends ago, Bama welcomed Dawson Merritt and Dijon Lee on campus. This past weekend, the trio of Damien Shanklin, Micah DeBose, and Ty Jackson all made their way (separately) to The Capstone.

This marked Jackson’s second trip to Tuscaloosa of the spring as he previously visited the school in March.

“It was good just being able to get back on campus,” Jackson told BamaOnLine on Monday. “I enjoyed the experience. Getting closer with the coaches was good. The highlight, I would say, is that we were able to watch film since they didn’t have practice those days. Just going in, re-evaluating my film, and seeing what I needed to work on.”

“It was more one-on-one time. It was good.”

Alabama is recruiting Jackson primarily to play the Mike position, but they are open to moving him all around the field. The 6-foot-1.5, 205-pounder highlighted the versatility in his IQ, his instincts, and preparation in the film room as his top attributes.

“Great guy,” Jackson said of his time with defensive coordinator and primary recruiter Kane Wommack. “I liked it because he critiqued my craft and what I needed to work on and everything. I’m glad we spent time doing that. He was just saying I’m very versatile. I’d be able to play all three downs. Not having to switch players out, so it was all good.

“It’s good,” Jackson said of how he’d be utilized. “I’d have to take the role, just be responsible for everybody’s jobs, and lead the team on defense.”

Jackson was in town multiple days as he stayed in Tuscaloosa from Friday until Sunday. This gave him quality time around the aforementioned Wommack, as well as Courtney Morgan and several additional defensive assistants.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer also carved some time out to speak with On3’s top-ranked linebacker in the 2025 class.

“He would love to have us,” Jackson said of DeBoer’s message. “Great person. He complimented us a lot. Coach DeBoer likes personality outside of football and great character. He was mainly talking about the development part. They have a great development scheme. Everybody in there has a great mindset, all on the same page. He thinks I would fit in well.

“I just got better with the connection [with him], so it was good,” Jackson added.

Alabama’s legacy, development of players stand out to Jackson

Back in late February, Jackson unveiled a top 10 of Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Oklahoma, Penn State, Syracuse, Tennessee, and Texas A&M.

Jackson has not narrowed this list down any further, but did outline the main reasons why Bama remains a contender for him.

“Just the legacy they’ve had in past years,” Jackson said. “Just seeing what they can do. Leading people to the NFL. Developing players on and off the field.”

And what are Jackson’s main takeaways of the Tide after multiple visits in the spring?

“Just how they carry themselves,” Jackson replied. “They want to win. The passion for it.”

On the two trips to Alabama over the past few weeks, Jackson has been accompanied by both of his parents. They raved about the experience the first time around, and enjoyed getting even more quality time with the coaching staff.

“They enjoyed it,” Jackson said of his parents. “Both of them also talked about the one-on-one [time]. They liked it more. Were able to talk with coaches and build a better bond.”

Class of 2025 LB Ty Jackson from Florida. (Credit: On3)

Jackson has scheduled official visits to Penn State (May 31-June 1), Georgia (June 7-8), Florida State (June 14-15), and Tennessee (June 21-22).

His weekends in June are booked, but an official to Bama during the season is on the table.

“We’ve been talking with coach about it. That’s the goal,” Jackson said. “The discussion we were talking about was during the season. Trying to get an OV during one of the games.”

If he sticks by his current commitment timeline, then Jackson will still be uncommitted by the time he takes that Alabama official visit, if he takes one.

“I’m still trying to break down everybody in my top 10 I posted,” Jackson said. “I’ll be committing after the season. That’s the goal. Just finding the right spot for me. Best opportunity on and off the field. Not just playing early, but developing also.”

In his junior year campaign, Jackson recorded over 125 total tackles, five-plus forced fumbles, a pair of interceptions, and 10-plus touchdowns. Along with being On3’s top-ranked linebacker, he is also the No. 20 overall rising senior in the country.

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