Tavyen Jackson Wants to Make His Own Mark on IU Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Tayven Jackson is Indiana football’s newest quarterback and he arrives in Bloomington with plenty of fanfare. His last name is well known around Bloomington due to his brother Trayce Jackson-Davis being an All-American on IU’s men’s basketball team. However, Tayven wants to make his own mark on an IU program.

“ I am just starting here trying to build my own legacy.” Jackson said. “We've had conversations about what is the right fit and where he sees me playing the best I can play. (Trayce) thought this was a great fit, my dad thought it was a great fit and my mom thought it was a great fit, so we just kind of made that decision.“

The younger Jackson will have to break out of his brother’s shadow, but he is still trying to enjoy the time they have on campus. However long that will be.

Jackson took in an IU basketball game during his official visit. It was a game that older brother Trayce took over and helped the Hoosiers to a much-needed win over Wisconsin. While Jackson has seen plenty of his brother’s games, this one was a little different.

“It was different because I usually just go in that stadium as a fan. Just to watch my brother. And I mean I was on a visit, but really I was there watching Trayce.” Jackson said. “I can watch that dude play basketball forever. He's the best basketball player I've ever seen. And I enjoy watching him play. But I know I was on a visit. And the fans did it. I mean, it was crazy. It was so surreal what they did, and Assembly Hall. So, I'm just blessed and I'm privileged, I can't ask for more.”

The fans chanted his name late in the game, when they could have easily been chanting his brother’s name. That’s rare at IU, but it is also what makes it surreal.

Jackson leaned on his brother for advice about IU, but ultimately made the decision his own.

“Trayce loves this program, the people here and the program has done so much for him. It wasn't a hard decision for him to let me know his thoughts on this school.” Jackson said. “I kind of just listened to him and listened to my family. Most of all, I just wanted to make this decision on my own, too. Just taking in things from other people, but really just making the decision on my own.”

The younger Jackson will have his work cut out for him when he hits the practice fields for IU this spring. The starting quarterback job is up for grabs and he will have a chance to leave his own mark on an IU sports program.