Myles Jackson Elated For New Start with Hoosiers

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Sometimes a fresh start is exactly what someone needs to jumpstart themselves. That’s what the Hoosiers are getting in Myles Jackson, a transfer edge rusher from UCLA, who committed to IU on Saturday.

“I’m elated to get going. I’m looking forward to everything honestly. The total experience. Ready for a fresh start.” Jackson told Hoosier Huddle.

Jackson didn’t fall out of favor at UCLA, he suffered a knee injury in 2020 and was a reserve player in 2021 and just needed a fresh start. He’ll get that at IU as he will man the ‘Bull’ position, IU’s edge rusher on defense.

“I feel like i can bring a lot of freedom and versatility to the ‘Bull’ position because of my athleticism. I actually started off playing a similar position after getting moved from inside backer at ucla. I ended up at edge but ultimately it want to be able to use my full ability without limits.” Jackson said.

The Hoosiers need help on the edge as the defensive line was not productive last year as they combined for just 5.5 sacks as a unit and Jackson could provide that spark.

The edge rusher will use his experience at UCLA to help IU’s defense.

“I played 166 game snaps total between my two years at UCLA. When i played i split time with our starter so fortunately it gave me enough experience to learn a lot and adjust to the feel of the game on that level. In the Pac-12 especially, we play a lot of teams that run a spread offense and like to run plays out of various disguises. So naturally i forces you to really up your football IQ and grooms you to play fast to prepare for the air raid so many pac 12 teams use. Between the game snaps and two years of practice and fall camp reps i feel as though i can bring athleticism and awareness to the defense.” Jackson said about his time at UCLA.

Jackson picked IU for several reasons, but one thing stuck out the most to him.

“The thing that most stuck out to me at IU was the fact that the players loved playing for the coaching staff and coach Allen specifically. They feel loved and taken care of. At that high of a level you don’t see that very often. I was looking for somewhere where i could be happy and showcase my ability and IU was the absolute best place for that.” Jackson said about IU’s team culture.

Jackson can play three years for the Hoosiers and will wear the number 10 when he takes the field this spring. His athleticism and nose for the ball will be a welcome addition to the 2022 defense.