Quarterback Tayven Jackson Ready to Get Down to Business at IU

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Tayven Jackson, Indiana’s prize transfer quarterback, is ready to get down to business and is ready to put in the serious work to help IU get back to the postseason. Jackson was a standout at Center Grove High School just a short drive north from Bloomington and spent his freshman season at Tennessee where he played in three games, but had the opportunity to learn from Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton.

Even though Jackson only played in three games, he credits Tennessee and his time in the program with developing his work ethic and what it takes to play quarterback at a high level.

“Tennessee has shown me that not just on the field work is the definition of playing quarterback. Most quarterbacks in the league and quarterbacks at Tennessee right now, their board work and knowledge of the game is unreal. The coaches there really helped me out in my career already, just being a freshman, in that aspect. I think I can bring that [into our quarterback room at Indiana].” Jackson said on Zoom on Friday.

The Hoosiers will enter spring practice with a quarterback room that is young and inexperienced. While it is a roll of the dice, it does give the Hoosiers a chance to see what they have in several young players.

Jackson can use his knowledge from Tennessee to elevate a position room that has struggled for two-straight seasons.

“Joe (Milton) really taught me how to take this game into a business perspective. Being always on time. Always doing the right thing always going overboard. Getting in getting film, getting working. Nothing's ever enough. You have to go over and over the top. He had to do everything. Almost perfect. And that's what they taught me.” Jackson explained.

The transfer is stepping into a room where Dexter Williams’ immediate future is uncertain, Brendan Sorsby has played just over a quarter in college football and Broc Lowry whois an incoming freshman.

“I'm gonna do my best to be the best leader I can be.” Jackson said. “The best teammate be the best friend for these guys. Off the field. But on the field. I'm gonna do everything the coaches asked me to do. And I'm gonna go 100% And I'm gonna try to be the best quarterback I can be for this for this program.”

Jackson will have his chance to stake his claim to the starting quarterback position when IU starts their spring practice season on March 4th,