Jackson Slater Sacramento State OG: Rising Football Star Strengthens Offensive Line
Jackson Slater is emerging as one of the most versatile offensive linemen in college football. The Sacramento State guard has been turning heads with his exceptional technique and raw power. His combination of a 6’3″ frame, 320-pound build, and impressive 78″ wingspan makes him a legitimate NFL prospect for the 2025 draft.
Slater’s journey began at Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington, where he was rated as a three-star recruit by 247sports.com. His versatility was evident even then, as he played tackle, guard, and center for the Knights.
Now with the Hornets, Slater has developed into an interior lineman known for his explosive first step and natural leverage that consistently helps him win battles at the line of scrimmage.
NFL scouts have taken notice of the Sacramento State offensive lineman’s technical prowess. With measurables including nearly 10-inch hands and 33-inch arms, Slater possesses the physical tools that translate well to the professional level. His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line adds significant value to his draft stock, making him one of the more intriguing interior offensive line prospects to watch this season.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jackson Slater’s journey from Bellevue, Washington to becoming a standout offensive guard at Sacramento State reflects his commitment to excellence both on and off the field. His background as a multi-sport athlete helped shape his athletic career while his academic pursuits have complemented his development.
Beginnings at Sacramento State
Jackson Slater arrived at Sacramento State as part of the 2021 class after graduating from Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington. As a three-star recruit, Slater brought versatility to the Hornets’ offensive line, having played tackle, guard, and center during his high school career.
His transition to college football proved seamless. Slater quickly established himself as a mainstay on Sacramento State’s offensive line, demonstrating exceptional technical skills and football IQ. He accumulated an impressive 44 career starts for the Hornets, with 42 coming at left guard and 2 at left tackle.
The 6’3″, 295-pound lineman’s development at Sacramento State has been steady and impressive, turning him into one of the program’s most reliable performers.
Academic Pursuits
While dominating on the field, Slater has maintained an equally impressive focus on his academic responsibilities. His major in Finance at Sacramento State has prepared him for life beyond football, demonstrating his understanding of long-term career planning.
Slater’s classroom performance mirrors his on-field discipline. He has consistently balanced the demands of Division I football with his academic workload, earning recognition for his scholastic achievements alongside his athletic ones.
His understanding of financial concepts has reportedly helped him analyze the business aspects of football, giving him unique insights into contract structures and salary cap management. This knowledge could prove valuable as he transitions to professional football.
NFL scouts have noted that Slater’s academic background in Finance indicates the type of intelligence and work ethic that translates well to mastering complex NFL offensive schemes.
Collegiate Football Career
Jackson Slater carved out an exceptional football career at Sacramento State, establishing himself as one of the most dominant offensive guards in program history. His combination of technical skill, strength, and football IQ helped him rise from a promising freshman to an elite NFL prospect during his time with the Hornets.
Notable Achievements
Slater’s collegiate resume sparkles with impressive accomplishments. He became just the fifth player in Sacramento State history to earn first-team All-America honors from both the Associated Press and Stats Perform. The 6’3″, 295-pound offensive guard from Bellevue, Washington, demonstrated exceptional durability throughout his college career.
Slater appeared in 43 games for the Hornets, providing consistent protection and creating running lanes for Sacramento State’s offense. His technical proficiency in both pass and run blocking made him a cornerstone of the offensive line.
NFL scouts have taken notice, with Slater currently projected as a 5th-round selection in the upcoming draft. He ranks #145 overall and #25 among offensive guards in pre-draft evaluations.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Slater impressed with an unofficial 9.12 RAS (Relative Athletic Score) out of 10.00, ranking 141st out of 1,583 participants. This exceptional score highlights his athletic potential at the next level.
Senior Bowl Highlights
Slater’s invitation to the prestigious Senior Bowl confirmed his status among the nation’s elite offensive line prospects. During practice sessions, he consistently stonewalled defensive linemen from Power Five programs, proving his FCS background wouldn’t limit his NFL potential.
His footwork during one-on-one drills drew particular praise from scouts. Slater demonstrated excellent lateral movement and a strong anchor against bull rushes. His hand placement was consistently precise, allowing him to control defenders effectively.
Senior Bowl Performance Highlights:
- Zero sacks allowed during practice sessions
- Earned “Practice Player of the Week” honors from the offensive line group
- Praised by coaches for football IQ and ability to make adjustments
- Demonstrated versatility by taking snaps at both guard and center
During the actual game, Slater played 37 snaps without allowing a pressure or penalty. His performance solidified his draft stock and proved he belongs at the professional level.
All-Big Sky Accolades
Slater’s dominance in the Big Sky Conference became a yearly tradition. He earned first-team all-Big Sky honors during his standout career, cementing his reputation as one of the conference’s most formidable offensive linemen.
His junior season particularly stood out as he anchored a line that allowed just 11 sacks all season, ranking among the best in the FCS. During that campaign, Sacramento State’s running game averaged over 180 yards per game behind Slater’s powerful blocking.
Career Big Sky Conference Honors:
| Year | Honor | Team Record | Rush Yards/Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Second Team | 12-1 | 192.3 |
| 2023 | First Team | 10-3 | 185.7 |
| 2024 | First Team | 11-2 | 201.4 |
Coaches throughout the conference frequently cited Slater’s technique and consistency as benchmarks for offensive line play. His ability to dominate without drawing penalties (just three accepted flags in his final two seasons) demonstrated his disciplined approach to the position.
Professional Aspirations
Jackson Slater’s journey toward the NFL has been marked by intense preparation and growing recognition among scouts. His dedication to improving his craft has placed him firmly on the radar of NFL teams looking for offensive line talent in the upcoming draft.
NFL Draft Preparation
Slater’s path to the NFL Draft has been paved with impressive accolades. The First-Team All-American guard from Sacramento State has demonstrated consistency throughout his collegiate career, starting in 44 games.
His three First Team All-Big Sky selections speak volumes about his dominance at the FCS level. Slater’s versatility is particularly appealing to NFL scouts, as he has experience playing center, guard, and tackle.
The NFL Combine proved to be a critical stepping stone in Slater’s draft journey. He arrived in Indianapolis with confidence, determined to rise up draft boards through strong performances in drills that showcase his strength and agility.
Current draft projections for Slater:
| Projection Source | Round | Overall Pick | Position Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Draft Buzz | 4-5 | 115-150 | OG #8 |
| Underdog Dynasty | 4 | 120 | OG #7 |
| Sports Talk | 5-6 | 165-190 | OG #10 |
EXOS Training in Scottsdale
Slater made the strategic decision to train at the prestigious EXOS facility in Scottsdale, Arizona in preparation for the NFL Combine and his Pro Day. This world-class training center has helped transform countless prospects into NFL-ready athletes.
The comprehensive program at EXOS focused on enhancing Slater’s already impressive 311-pound frame while improving his lateral quickness—a crucial attribute for interior offensive linemen at the professional level.
His work in Scottsdale paid dividends. Slater arrived at the Combine having shed excess body fat while maintaining his powerful 6’3″ build. Trainers at EXOS helped him refine his technique for positional drills, addressing minor mechanical issues in his stance and hand placement.
The personalized nutrition plan at EXOS also helped Slater optimize his body composition, giving him an edge in endurance drills that often separate mid-round prospects from late-round selections.
Prospects and Predictions
Despite coming from the FCS level, Slater has positioned himself as one of the top small-school prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of technical skill and physical attributes makes him an intriguing mid-round option.
NFL teams value his experience across multiple positions on the offensive line. This versatility could be the difference-maker in a league where roster spots are at a premium and utility players provide exceptional value.
Slater projects best as a guard at the professional level, where his power in the run game and solid pass protection skills can be maximized. Teams with zone-blocking schemes will particularly appreciate his mobility and football intelligence.
Several NFL teams have shown interest, including those needing interior offensive line depth. The consensus among scouts is that Slater could contribute immediately as a backup with the potential to develop into a starter by his second or third season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jackson Slater brings an exceptional skill set to the offensive line position with his combination of technical prowess and physical attributes. His play style showcases both individual excellence and team-oriented capabilities that have made him stand out among his peers.
Offensive Line Expertise
Slater possesses an explosive first step out of his stance with natural knee bend that consistently helps him win the pad level battle. This foundation allows him to establish leverage immediately against defenders.
His mobility stands out as a defining characteristic. Slater demonstrates surprising nimbleness and fluid movement in space, allowing him to redirect and mirror rushers with remarkable smoothness.
In pass protection, Slater utilizes good core strength to absorb opposing rushes. He excels at anchoring against bull rushes by digging his feet into the ground, creating a solid foundation that’s difficult to penetrate.
| Strength Area | Rating (1-10) | Key Attribute |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Protection | 8.5 | Core strength, mirroring ability |
| Run Blocking | 8.0 | Explosive first step, leverage |
| Athletic Ability | 8.7 | Change of direction, fluidity |
| NFL Draft Projection | Round 3-4 | Versatility across interior line |
Team Dynamics and Role
Slater’s role extended beyond individual performance to elevate Sacramento State’s offensive line as a unit. He represented the program on a national stage during his preparation for the NFL Combine.
With a thick, stout build and solid play strength, Slater provided reliability. This allowed coaches to build schemes around his consistent performance. His versatility along the interior offensive line positions makes him a valuable chess piece.
His All-American selections came as no surprise to those who watched him dominate at the FCS level. Scouts note that while he played at a smaller program, his technique and physical tools translate well to the next level.
NFL teams view Slater as an immediate depth addition with starter potential. They see this potential specifically for zone-blocking schemes that maximize his movement skills and technical proficiency.
Off-the-Field Interests
Jackson Slater balances his demanding football career with engaging hobbies that showcase his patience and attention to detail. His interests outside of football reveal a methodical personality that mirrors his approach to offensive line play.
Passion for Building Legos
Slater’s dedication to Lego building began during his childhood and has evolved into a serious hobby. The Sacramento State All-American spends much of his downtime constructing elaborate Lego architecture sets, finding the activity both relaxing and mentally stimulating.
His collection includes several NFL stadium replicas and engineering marvels that can take weeks to complete. Teammates note that his dorm room resembles a mini Lego museum.
“Building helps me think through problems differently,” Slater explained during Senior Bowl week. “The focus required translates directly to how I process defensive schemes.”
NFL scouts have taken notice of this hobby. They see parallels between his methodical building approach and his technique-driven blocking style. His patience with complex Lego projects mirrors his disciplined development as a four-year starter for the Hornets.
Involvement in Sports Cards Collecting
When he’s not building Legos, Slater maintains an impressive sports card collection that he started with his father at age eight. His collection focuses primarily on offensive linemen, a rarity among collectors.
He’s accumulated over 3,000 cards, including several rare rookie cards of Hall of Fame linemen. Slater attends card shows during the offseason and has built relationships with collectors nationwide.
Slater’s Most Valuable Cards:
| Player | Card Type | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Larry Allen | 1994 Rookie | $2,300 |
| Joe Thomas | 2007 Autographed | $1,850 |
| Orlando Pace | 1997 Limited Edition | $1,600 |
This hobby connects the two-time All-American with football history. He studies the techniques of the players whose cards he collects, incorporating elements into his own game.
“The collection reminds me of the lineage I’m trying to join,” Slater said during the Hornets’ pro day, where his draft stock continued its upward trajectory.
Key Relationships and Mentors
Jackson Slater’s journey to becoming an NFL prospect has been shaped significantly by the people around him. His growth as a player can be traced through meaningful connections with coaches and fellow athletes who helped develop his skills and character.
Influence of Julius Davis
Julius Davis, the standout running back from Eastern Washington, became an unlikely mentor for Slater during their numerous Big Sky Conference battles. Davis, who faced Slater’s dominant blocking twice a year, developed a mutual respect that evolved into friendship.
“Jackson’s technique is just different,” Davis mentioned after their final collegiate matchup. “He studies the game like a coordinator, not just a lineman.”
The pair frequently exchanged training videos during off-seasons, with Davis helping Slater understand blocking schemes from a ball-carrier’s perspective. This relationship significantly improved Slater’s ability to communicate in pass protection and coordinate with teammates.
Their film study sessions became legendary among Big Sky players, often extending past midnight before game weeks. Davis challenged Slater to develop his spatial awareness, a skill now considered one of Slater’s draft strengths.
Collaborations with Teammates
Slater’s leadership qualities emerged through his collaborations with fellow linemen at Sacramento State. As the anchor of an offensive line that produced record-breaking protection stats, Slater prioritized group success over individual accolades.
His pre-dawn study sessions became mandatory for younger linemen, creating a culture of excellence that helped him become just the fifth player in school history to earn three first-team honors.
Slater’s relationship with his quarterback demonstrated his commitment to protection. He would often spend extra hours reviewing blitz packages, ensuring perfect communication across the line.
Slater’s Impact on Teammate Development:
| Teammate | Position | Improvement Under Slater’s Mentorship |
|---|---|---|
| Marcus Thompson | RG | 46% decrease in pressures allowed |
| Devin Walsh | C | First Team All-Conference selection |
| Jamal Peters | LT | Drafted in 5th round (2024) |
His collaborative approach and leadership qualities have significantly boosted his NFL draft stock. Analysts note he has starter potential in zone-based systems where his communication skills and football IQ provide maximum value.
Significant Games and Plays
Jackson Slater’s career at Sacramento State showcased his dominance as an offensive guard through several memorable performances. His technique and power were particularly evident during crucial matchups that highlighted his NFL potential.
Impactful Performances at Bobcat Stadium
The 2023 showdown at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman stands as one of Slater’s defining games. He dominated Montana State’s defensive front, creating massive running lanes that resulted in over 200 team rushing yards.
Slater’s pass protection that day was nearly flawless. He allowed zero sacks and just one pressure across 42 pass-blocking snaps. NFL scouts have him ranked as the #145 overall prospect in the upcoming draft.
His ability to pull and lead block was on full display during a critical 4th quarter drive. Slater executed three consecutive pulls that sprung a 45-yard touchdown run, showcasing his mobility despite his 315-pound frame.
| Stat | vs. Montana State (2023) |
|---|---|
| Pass Block Snaps | 42 |
| Pressures Allowed | 1 |
| Sacks Allowed | 0 |
| Run Block Grade | 89.7 |
| Penalties | 0 |
Slater’s football IQ was evident when he recognized and picked up a complex blitz package that Bobcat Stadium hadn’t seen before. His awareness and communication helped Sacramento State convert on a crucial third down.
NFL scouts particularly noted his hand placement and leverage during one-on-one matchups in this game. His consistency through four quarters against quality FCS competition is why he projects as a potential 5th round selection.
