Oregon Freshman Devin Jackson Shines in 41-28 Win at Ohio State
Oregon football's uniforms against Michigan include a nod to Japan. The Ducks arrive off a 41-28 win at Ohio State, where freshman defensive back Devin Jackson made his first career interception and echoed a 2021 play by now-staffer Verone McKinley III.
Oregon football’s uniforms against Michigan include a nod to Japan, the Ducks announced this week. On the field, freshman defensive back Devin Jackson is drawing attention after his first career interception in a 41-28 road win at Ohio State.
Oregon has not been short of talking points heading into the Michigan game. The uniform detail is one. Jackson’s emergence in the secondary is another.
Jackson steps into the secondary
Jackson, a former four-star safety, has become a regular contributor since the injury to Aaron Flowers. He snatched the interception against Ohio State with a toe tap to barely stay in bounds and secure possession.
He said the play call was right, and the catch came down to skill and instinct. He also said the situation forced him to grow up quickly.
“I just knew that I had to step up. I couldn’t be a freshman,” Jackson said. “I’m no longer a freshman. I’ve gotta be a veteran on the field.”
Flowers, he said, has helped him throughout. “Coming in January, he always was behind me being able to walk me through things that I didn’t know,” Jackson said.
An echo from 2021
The pick came in the same area of the field as the game-sealing interception by Verone McKinley III in Oregon’s 2021 win at Ohio State. McKinley is now Oregon’s Director of Scouting & Recruiting Relations. He and Jackson celebrated together on the sideline.
Jackson said McKinley never mentioned the coincidence at first. “So when I heard that, like, that was crazy to me,” he said. The two then bonded over it.
Coach points to the extra work
Oregon coach Dan Lanning said Jackson’s preparation, not just his talent, has earned him snaps. “Devin’s a guy that’s always coming up to watch extra film, do more,” Lanning said.
Lanning said Jackson has become coachable and understands that better communication improves his play. “He has a lot of skill. He’s a talented player,” the coach said.
Jackson’s path to Eugene started in Winter Garden, Florida, more than 2,500 miles away. He said the scenery and the distance from home on his recruiting trip sold him. “So I don’t have a lot on my mind, just being able to play football and get my academics right,” he said.
He grew up watching former Oregon defensive back Jevon Holland and met him during that visit. Seattle Seahawks legend Kam Chancellor was also an influence. Oregon’s secondary also includes Brandon Finney Jr., another player who made a significant impact as a freshman.
