The Virginia football team secured its second transfer portal commitment of the weekend on Saturday as cornerback Jermarian Jackson made the call for the Cavaliers. The Robert Morris defensive back followed a Friday announcement for UVA from New Mexico State quarterback Gavin Frakes.
The Hoos now have added nine players via the transfer portal this cycle. Jackson and Frakes joined receiver Trell Harris (Kent State), receiver Andre Greene Jr. (North Carolina), cornerback Kendren Smith (Pennsylvania), offensive lineman Drake Metcalf (Central Florida/Stanford), tight end Tyler Neville (Harvard), linebacker/defensive back Corey Thomas (Akron), and receiver Chris Tyree (Notre Dame) as incoming transfers.
Jackson announced his choice on social media. He had previously announced the intention to transfer to Akron.
Proud to announce I’m committing to The University Of Virginia 🔶 🔹⚔️ ⚔️🔸🔷 pic.twitter.com/MiRF0Zchor
— Jermarian “Jam” Jackson (@jermarian1) January 6, 2024
Jackson, who uses the nickname ‘Jam’, has 3 years of eligibility remaining after 2 seasons with RMU. He redshirted in 2022 after playing in 4 games and then appeared in 11 games this past season. Phil Steele named Jackson to his 2023 Football Championship Subdivision Postseason All-American team as a third-team freshman All-American selection. He also received Big South-OVC Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. He posted 40 tackles (33 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, 5 pass breakups and a forced fumble this season.
An unrated prospect via 247 Sports as a high school recruit, he played for Plant City High School in Florida. As a senior, he posted 56 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 7 passes defended with 3 interceptions.
The 6’2″, 175-pounder brings more depth to the Virginia defensive backfield. The Cavaliers have continued to address the secondary this offseason with Tayvonn Kyle, Sam Westfall, and Coen King finished with their college careers and William Simpkins III, Dave Herard, and Lex Long entering the transfer portal from UVA. The Hoos previously picked up Smith from Penn, who also shined at the FCS level. Smith is a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining.
High school highlights for Jackson can be found on his Hudl profile here.
