The Virginia defense struggled in all facets in 2021. With a new coaching staff and returning players, however, the Cavaliers are looking to shift the narrative. One key returnee is Nick Jackson, who was productive last season and has since taken on the leadership role for the defensive unit.

Lined up at inside linebacker, Jackson is expected to be the quarterback of the defense, and the team will lean on him for top-level performance and mentorship. Taking a look at his accolades, he is not at fault for the recent defensive issues. He has been one of the best tacklers for the Cavaliers since his arrival and has been a consistent option in the middle.

It is evident that Jackson has become not only one of, if not the best, defenders for the Cavaliers over recent seasons, but the same could be said for the entire ACC. Jackson enters 2022 as a preseason All-ACC Second-Team selection. He was also named All-ACC Third-Team in 2020 and 2021.

At 6’1” and 236 pounds, Jackson has enough size and instincts to be an elite tackler, which is exactly what he has become. In 2021, he paced the team and the ACC with 117 tackles and has compiled 250 tackles in his career. He even has an opportunity to be listed in the top 10 in tackles in UVA history (Randy Neal sits at No. 10 with 367). He also tied the Virginia record for tackles in a game with 16 against BYU last season, but he is also the first player for the Hoos to do it twice (at Miami in 2020).

...