Education
Jackson played quarterback for the Santiago Sharks at Santiago High School in Corona, California.
Jackson redshirted his freshman year at Colorado, where he was a communications major. In 2004, he saw action in six games at wide receiver and punt returner with minimal statistics recorded. He dislocated his elbow during a punt return which caused him to miss three games.
In 2005, Jackson saw action in six games early in the season, mainly in spot action and as a kick returner and tailback, again recording minimal statistics.
With a new head coach, Dan Hawkins, all positions were up for grabs (except the kicker, which Mason Crosby already had a lock on the position), especially the quarterback position with Joel Klatt"s eligibility used up.
James Cox, the only senior quarterback on the team and the only quarterback with career starts for experience was thought to be the favorite.
But he missed all of spring training with a broken thumb while his two main competitors, juniors Jackson and Brian White practiced. (Cody Hawkins, also the head coach"s son, redshirted for the 2006 season) On August 20, 2006, Coach Hawkins announced Cox would be the starting quarterback.
He started the first game of the season on September 2, 2006 against Division I-Associate of Arts Montana State. Colorado lost the game 19-10 in the start of the horrible season.
Cox went 8-22 with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Cox was surprisingly replaced as starter the following week by Jackson. Jackson remained the starter for the rest of the season.
Jackson had strong competition from Cody Hawkins, Matt Ballenger, and Nick Nelson to remain the quarterback for this season. He was named one of three captains for the 2007 season prior to spring practice, where it was reported he may switch to another position.
However, he was not able to remain academically eligible and did not play this season and was out of eligibility.
Walked onto football team at Colorado State University-Pueblo.
