From North Canyon High School, to USC and now the NFL – Austin Jackson’s football career started another chapter Thursday night when he was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 18th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
A three-sport prep standout for the Rattlers, Jackson left USC after his junior year last fall and will now be blocking for fellow Fins 1st rounder Tua Tagovailoa.
A four-star recruit coming out of high school, he selected SC over Arizona State, Arizona, Auburn and Alabama.
The 6-foot-5, 322-pounder is athletically gifted and projects as the prototypical NFL left tackle. Many feel Jackson could also slide inside to guard if he improves his strength once he gets acclimated to the physicality of professional football at the highest level.
Jackson’s grandfather, Melvin Jackson, was also an offensive lineman for the Trojans and played for the Green Bay Packers from 1976-1980. He was a 12th-round pick of the Packers back in 1976.