We're already up to Day 4 of our "The 12 Days of Recruits" Series. We finally have a Sconnie native to highlight today as we look at RB Vonte Jackson, who shared the 2010 backfield with Badgers freshman Melvin Gordon. Could Jackson be up for the same results as Gordon and redshirt this next season or will he be a factor right out of the gate?
Don't forget yesterday we took a look at one of the guys who very well could be blocking for Jackson and Co. for quite some time in Dan Voltz.
Vonte Jackson Personal Stats:
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185lbs.
Hometown/High School: Kenosha, WI/ Kenosha Bradford HS
2011 Stats:
140 yards, 12 carries, 1TD
Rankings:
247sports: NR (nationally), #19 (position), #2 (state)
Rivals: NR (nationally), #19 (position), #2 (state)
Scout: no national or state rankings, #27 (position)
My Thoughts:
You may be scratching your head a bit on the stats for Vonte Jackson in the 2011 season if you blinked and missed the information at the end of August, but he tore up his knee in the 1st half of the opening game against Milwaukee Riverside. Ya, that's right, in under one half of play he managed to rack up 140 yards, averaging 11.6 yards a carry against a Riverside team that qualified for the state tournament.
It was a shame that the injury occurred because it was Jackson's time to shine after backing up Melvin Gordon on the 2010 State Championship team. However he did manage 956 yards (11.3ypc) and 11TD's behind Gordon.
In watching the tape available on him it's clear that he's more than just a running back, this kid has talent period. He's going to be someone I could see contributing on special teams out of the gate with his ability in the return game.
Sure it's the high school level, but vision isn't really something that you can teach and the guy just has it. He's quick to a whole and quick to make a move both on offense and when returning kicks/punts. I see him a bit like James White in that he's not as stout as other Wisconsin running backs. However, he's got a bit more in terms of that first cut and the ability to keep moving while cutting, it's just natural for him.
I know he's one of the running backs I can't wait to see behind the Wisconsin offensive line, he could be the speediest one we've had in quite some time, yes faster than James White. Luckily just like guard Dan Voltz, Jackson is enrolling at Wisconsin for the 2nd semester this year and will get into the training room to take advantage of the rehab and help of a very good Wisconsin athletic training staff. That will be key to helping him get back in the mix next year, but don't be surprised to see him redshirt to add a year of weight and stability to his body.
Video:
This the best highlight video on Jackson I could find. Unfortunately there really isn't any tape out there on the Riverside game to show you just what he did to that defense. Enjoy the video and look for us to switch sides of the ball tomorrow, so check back early tomorrow to find out what commit will be put under the microscope.
Written by:
