Cam Jackson Florida DT Emerging as Top Defensive Talent in 2025 Recruitment Class

Cam Jackson has emerged as one of the most intriguing defensive tackle prospects in college football. The Florida Gators defensive lineman transferred from Memphis and has quickly established himself as a force in the SEC trenches. Jackson profiles as a developmental two-down run stuffer with the physical tools to grow into a more complete defensive tackle at the next level.

Standing at 6’6″ and weighing in at 355 pounds, Jackson brings exceptional size to Florida’s defensive front. His combination of raw power and surprising quickness for his frame has caught the attention of NFL scouts. Currently ranked as the #50 overall prospect according to NFL Draft Buzz with a 78.0 rating and a 5.17 forty time, Jackson has positioned himself as a potential mid-round selection in next year’s draft.

The Louisiana native has steadily improved his technique since arriving in Gainesville. While Jackson initially made his mark as a run-stopper, his pass-rushing skills have developed under Florida’s coaching staff. His journey from Haynesville High School to becoming an SEC standout demonstrates the developmental path many interior defensive linemen must travel to reach their full potential.

Early Years and High School Career

Cam’Ron Jackson’s path to becoming a standout defensive tackle began in the small town of Haynesville, Louisiana, where he developed his skills and caught the attention of college recruiters despite coming from a school not known for producing Division I talent.

High School Development

Jackson attended Haynesville High School in Louisiana, where he quickly established himself as a force on the defensive line. Standing out among his peers, his natural strength and agility made him difficult for offensive linemen to contain.

His technique improved significantly throughout his high school years. Jackson’s ability to shed blocks and disrupt plays in the backfield became his trademark. His senior season showcased his development as both a run-stopper and pass-rusher.

Local coaches noted his work ethic during this period. Jackson often stayed after practice to work on his hand placement and leverage techniques. This dedication helped transform him from a raw talent into a more polished defensive prospect.

Recruitment and Commitment to Florida

As a high school prospect, Jackson was rated as a 3-star recruit according to 247 Sports. Despite not receiving the spotlight of higher-rated prospects, his film displayed a player with tremendous upside and raw power.

His recruitment journey had several turns. After initially playing at the college level, Jackson entered the transfer portal and ultimately found his way to Gainesville. The Florida Gators coaching staff saw potential in Jackson that other programs might have overlooked.

Jackson’s decision to join the Gators reflected his desire to compete at the highest level of college football. The move to the SEC would allow him to showcase his talents against elite competition, potentially boosting his NFL draft stock.

High School Stats	Haynesville HS
Ranking	3-star recruit
Position	Defensive Tackle
Hometown	Haynesville, LA

College Career at Florida

Cam Jackson’s time with the Florida Gators showcased his development as a formidable defensive tackle. His career statistics highlight a player who consistently improved his technique and production, becoming an anchor on the defensive line.

Freshman Season Impact

Jackson wasted no time making his presence felt on Florida’s defensive front. Despite being a newcomer to college football, his size and natural talent earned him meaningful playing time in his first season.

Jackson appeared in 10 games as a freshman, recording 28 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. His ability to occupy blockers opened lanes for linebackers to make plays.

The young defensive tackle showed flashes of brilliance against SEC competition. His performance against Tennessee, where he recorded 5 tackles and disrupted the opposing offensive line, gave Gators fans a glimpse of his potential.

Coaches praised Jackson’s quick learning curve and dedication to mastering defensive schemes.

Sophomore Year Progression

Jackson’s second season showed marked improvement in both technique and production. He transformed from a promising freshman to a consistent disruptor in the trenches.

His sophomore campaign yielded impressive statistics:

• Total tackles: 42
• Tackles for loss: 5.5
• Sacks: 2.0
• Forced fumbles: 1

The improvement in Jackson’s hand technique became evident as the season progressed. His ability to shed blocks and penetrate the backfield made him a problem for opposing offensive coordinators.

Jackson started all 12 games, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Florida’s defensive line. His conditioning improved significantly, allowing him to stay effective deep into the fourth quarter of games.

Notable Games

Jackson’s performance in the Gasparilla Bowl stands as one of his most dominant. He recorded 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and completely disrupted the opponent’s run game.

The annual clash with Florida State brought out Jackson’s best. In the rivalry game, he contributed 6 tackles and 1.5 sacks, helping the Gators secure a crucial victory over their in-state rivals.

Against top-ranked SEC competition, Jackson elevated his play. His bull rush against Alabama’s offensive line resulted in a critical fourth-quarter sack that swung momentum in Florida’s favor.

NFL scouts took notice of Jackson’s performance against Georgia, where he consistently won his one-on-one matchups against future NFL offensive linemen.

Statistical Overview and Milestones

Cam Jackson’s collegiate career showcases impressive defensive production across multiple seasons. His size and strength have translated into consistent performance metrics that NFL scouts have noticed.

Career Statistics Summary

At 6’6″ and 342 pounds, Jackson presents a formidable presence on the defensive line. During his time at both Memphis and Florida, he accumulated 46 college games played with 1,279 total snaps.

The 2024 season has been particularly productive for Jackson, recording 14 solo tackles and 2 sacks through the current stage of the season.

His career defensive production includes consistent tackle numbers across multiple seasons:

Season	Solo Tackles	Total Tackles	Sacks	FF	INT
2024	14	TBD	2	0	0
2023	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
2022	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD

Defensive Achievements

Jackson’s defensive line play has earned him recognition as a disruptive force in the trenches. At Florida, he’s established himself as a reliable interior defender who can collapse the pocket and occupy multiple blockers.

His draft projection currently sits at the 7th round, with an overall ranking of #231 and position rank of #50 among defensive tackles. NFL scouts particularly value his size and strength combination.

What separates Jackson is his ability to maintain production despite facing double teams. His pass rush stats don’t tell the complete story of his impact, as he frequently creates opportunities for teammates to make plays.

During his time at Memphis before transferring to Florida, Jackson showed steady improvement in technique and conditioning that has carried over to his performance with the Gators.

Professional Prospects

Cam Jackson has developed into a formidable NFL prospect, showcasing impressive strength and technical abilities that have scouts taking notice. His size and power combination makes him particularly valuable as teams evaluate interior defensive linemen for the 2025 draft class.

NFL Draft Potential

Jackson projects as a mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, with his stock steadily rising. At 6’6″ and 339 pounds, he brings exceptional size to the defensive tackle position. Teams are particularly impressed with his ability to clog running lanes and occupy blockers.

Jackson’s quick first step stands out on film, allowing him to penetrate offensive lines despite his massive frame. He’s primarily viewed as a run-stopping specialist who can anchor the interior.

Draft analysts note his technical development at Florida has improved his draft stock considerably. Most projections have him slotted between rounds 3-5, though strong pre-draft workouts could push him higher.

Draft Projection Rankings:

Source	Ranking	Overall Position
NFL.com	4th Round	DT #8
Draft Network	3rd-4th Round	DT #6-10
The 33rd Team	Day 2 Prospect	DT #7

Senior Bowl and Combine Performance

Jackson’s reliable run defense was on full display at the Senior Bowl, where he consistently held his ground against double teams. Practice reports highlighted his impressive strength at the point of attack.

During one-on-one drills, Jackson demonstrated his powerful hands and ability to shed blocks. Scouts were particularly impressed with his motor and conditioning despite his massive frame.

At the NFL Combine, his measurements confirmed what teams already knew – Jackson has an NFL-ready body with 34⅛-inch arms providing excellent length. His bench press numbers ranked near the top for defensive tackles.

The athletic testing showed expected limitations in lateral quickness but surprised with better-than-anticipated explosiveness metrics. His interviews with teams reportedly went well, highlighting his football IQ and understanding of defensive schemes.

Role in Team Dynamics

Cam Jackson has emerged as a vital component in Florida’s defensive structure, bringing both physical presence and technical skill to the Gators’ front line. His impact extends beyond individual statistics to how he influences the overall defensive scheme.

Leadership and Team Chemistry

Jackson’s journey to becoming a key figure for the Gators began after transferring from Memphis, where he started all 13 games in 2022. His experience has translated into natural leadership on Florida’s defensive line.

Teammates respect his work ethic, often citing his consistency in practice as setting the standard. During crucial game situations, Jackson is frequently the player rallying the defensive unit.

The coaching staff has repeatedly praised his ability to mentor younger linemen. His willingness to share technical knowledge has accelerated the development of Florida’s defensive depth.

“He’s our anchor in more ways than one,” a defensive coordinator noted midseason. “When things get chaotic, he’s the steadying force.”

Contribution to Team Defense

Jackson profiles as a developmental two-down run stuffer who has shown growth in his pass-rushing capabilities. His primary contribution comes in run defense, where his strength and technique make him exceptionally difficult to move.

The Gators’ defensive metrics show significant improvement when Jackson is on the field:

Defensive Metric	With Jackson	Without Jackson
Rush Yards/Attempt	3.2	4.7
Offensive Line Push	-0.3 yards	+1.2 yards
Tackles for Loss %	22%	14%

His above-average movement skills for an interior defensive lineman allow him to redirect and follow plays effectively. This mobility has been crucial in Florida’s containment strategies against mobile quarterbacks.

Comparison with Peers

Cam Jackson stands out among defensive tackles not just at Florida but across the SEC. His technique and run-stopping ability have earned him recognition as a solid NFL prospect. His strength and consistency are also key differentiators.

Other Florida DTs

When examining Florida’s defensive tackle room, Cam Jackson has clearly established himself as the anchor. Unlike some of his teammates who rotate in situationally, Jackson has been a consistent starter for two years after transferring from Memphis.

Jackson’s production of 59 tackles and two sacks over his Florida career outpaces many of his fellow interior linemen. His ability to maintain gap integrity separates him from Darrell Jackson, who offers more pass-rush upside but less reliability against the run.

NFL scouts have taken notice of Jackson’s technical proficiency, placing him in the mid-round draft conversation. In recent evaluations, his hand placement and leverage consistently rate higher in film analysis than other Florida defensive tackles.

SEC Defensive Linemen

Within the SEC’s elite defensive line talent pool, Jackson holds his own through fundamentally sound play rather than flashy statistics. While not as disruptive as Miami transfer Akheem Mesidor or some of Georgia’s interior stars, Jackson’s reliable run defense makes him a valuable commodity.

Player	School	Tackles (2024)	TFL	Sacks	Draft Projection
Cam Jackson	Florida	32	5.5	1.5	Rounds 3-5
Akheem Mesidor	Miami	28	8.0	4.5	Rounds 2-3
Darrell Jackson	Florida	24	4.0	2.0	Rounds 5-7

Jackson’s draft stock benefits from his technique and strength rather than pure athletic measurements. While some SEC peers might test better at the combine, Jackson’s film shows a player who consistently holds the point of attack and rarely gets moved off his spot.

His reputation in scouting circles has grown steadily, with multiple analysts citing his solid performance last season as evidence he can contribute immediately at the next level.

Impact Beyond the Field

Cam Jackson’s influence extends well beyond his dominating presence on the defensive line. His commitment to both community service and maintaining a positive public image has made him a standout representative for the Florida Gators program.

Community Involvement

Jackson has become a fixture in Gainesville’s community outreach programs. During holiday seasons, he regularly participates in food drives, helping distribute meals to families in need. His work with local elementary schools has been particularly impactful, where he reads to children and emphasizes the importance of education alongside athletics.

“The kids look up to us as heroes,” Jackson once remarked during a community event. “It’s our responsibility to show them there’s more to life than just football.”

His foundations work has raised significant funds for youth sports programs in underprivileged areas of Gainesville. The “Big Man, Big Heart” initiative he launched in 2023 has provided athletic equipment to over 15 schools in the region.

Off-Field Image and Media

Jackson’s media presence reflects his maturity and character development. Coaches have noted his improvements off the field, which have translated directly to better on-field performance in 2024.

In press conferences, the 6’6″, 342-pound defensive tackle handles questions with poise and thoughtfulness rarely seen from players his age. His articulate responses and genuine demeanor have made him a favorite among reporters.

NFL scouts have taken notice of Jackson’s character profile alongside his physical talents. According to several draft analysts, his leadership qualities and clean off-field record have bolstered his draft stock considerably for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

Upcoming Season’s Outlook

The 2025 season should be a breakout campaign for Jackson. He stands at an imposing 6-foot-6 and 328 pounds and has the physical tools to dominate the line of scrimmage in the SEC.

Jackson’s run defense abilities rate at 86% according to draft analysts, making him a formidable obstacle for opposing offenses. While his pass rush is at 66%, experts say his quick first step and high motor should help him increase his sack production.

NFL teams are already taking notice. The Carolina Panthers have scheduled Jackson for a top-30 visit, indicating serious interest in the defensive tackle.

Current projections place Jackson around the 7th round of the NFL Draft, but a strong senior season could significantly boost his stock. Scouts will be watching his development in generating more tackles for loss and improving his pass rush technique.

2024 Draft Projection Stats:

Category	Rating	Position Rank
Run Defense	86%	–
Pass Rush	66%	–
Overall Rank	#231	#50 DL