Meet the signees: Chris Jackson

NAME: Chris Jackson
POSITION: Wide receiver
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-0, 180
HOMETOWN/SCHOOL: McDonough, Ga./Henry County HS
SENIOR YEAR STATS: Caught 76 passes for 1,423 yards and 23 touchdowns.
ESPN SCOUTS INC. GRADE/POSITION RANK: 80 (No. 144 on ESPN 150, No. 14 ATH)

LIKELIHOOD TO START IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 2
LIKELIHOOD TO PLAY IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 7

THE SKINNY
With kicker/punter Corey Smith, Jackson was one of two Alabama signees to enroll in January and participate in spring practice. Consequently, Jackson will have a leg up on his fellow freshmen since he's already familiar with the Crimson Tide's offense. With Alabama having lost three of its top four receivers from last year, Jackson will certainly have a chance to play, though it's possible he'll need to add strength to his rather thin frame before becoming a Southeastern Conference-quality wideout. Jackson also excelled as a safety in high school, though it looks like he's ticketed for offense at least at the beginning of his career.

ESPN SCOUTS INC. EVALUATION
Jackson is one of the better players in the Southeast that no one is talking about and while he is being recruited primarily as a wide receiver, we think his best position is safety and we have seen few, if any players in this class get to the sideline from the high point or off the hash like he does. He has a great frame and is a good looking athlete. Displays range and athleticism and he can run. Has long arms. He has outstanding anticipation and play making skills. He has the versatility to do a lot of things in coverage. He has very good reactive athleticism and playing speed. In the passing game, he has the ability to match-up on slot receivers in sub-package sets. He has good range and can cover a lot of ground down the field in deep zones. He takes good downfield angles and can separate the ball from WRs. Shows good leaping ability and very good hands. He times his breaks and jumps extremely well. Can press slot receivers. Has the feet and hips to turn and run. He has good short area closing speed and the ability to match-up in man situations when dropping down in the box. He is instinctive with very good zone awareness. All of his instinctive traits are evident at WR as well, but he is a raw route runner that gets by on athleticism at this level. Isn't a true burner, but his play speed and acceleration is fast. Could easily play either spot and develop into an impact player in college. Excellent prospect that has high ceiling for development.