Jahzare Jackson's story is one of remarkable transformation and unwavering determination. From dominating the basketball court to pursuing a career in college football, Jackson's journey is a testament to his athleticism, adaptability, and commitment to self-improvement. His story encompasses not only a change in sports but also a significant physical transformation, marked by weight loss and enhanced conditioning.
Early Athletic Pursuits and the Shift to Basketball
Growing up in San Diego, California, football was Jackson's first love. By the end of middle school, he had already garnered multiple Division I football offers. However, as he experienced a significant growth spurt, his athletic trajectory shifted towards basketball. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where he would hone his skills on the hardwood and chase his dreams of playing professionally.
Jackson's mother, Lelah Jackson, played a pivotal role in supporting his basketball aspirations. Recognizing his potential, she quit her job in 2018 to fully dedicate herself to his journey. "Initially a football player, Jahzare transitioned to basketball after a growth spurt," she explained. Her unwavering belief and support system became the bedrock of his success.
Overtime Elite: A Crucible of Growth
Jackson's career took a significant turn when he joined Overtime Elite (OTE), an Atlanta-based program renowned for its rigorous training and development of young athletes. His time at IMG Academy for his freshman and sophomore years prepared him for the challenges and opportunities that OTE presented. The Academy instilled in him essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, time management, and resilience, complementing his basketball prowess.
"Overtime Elite has given me invaluable life skills for my basketball journey and personal life," Jackson acknowledged. "From discipline to creating good habits, the Academy’s emphasis on skill development has been impactful." He emphasized the importance of accountability and being treated like a professional, which prepared him for the next level of his career.
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During his three seasons at OTE, Jackson won a championship each year, demonstrating his impact on winning. He averaged 12.1 points and 7.5 rebounds in his final season. His contemporaries included 2024 NBA lottery picks Alex Sarr and Rob Dillingham, as well as Tyler Smith, the No. 33 overall pick.
The Physical Transformation: Weight Loss and Conditioning
One of the most remarkable aspects of Jackson's journey is his physical transformation. Upon arriving at OTE, the 6-foot-11 prospect weighed 350 pounds. Through a dedicated strength and conditioning plan, he shed weight, gained strength, and improved his mobility.
"So many factors play into it when you want to get your body better, and just like transforming your body in general. I really had to focus on the right things - making sure I got enough sleep, which plays a big part. And then also just making sure you get through each session focusing on getting stronger," Jackson explained.
His regimen extended beyond traditional weightlifting, incorporating activities like yoga to enhance flexibility and strengthen joints. He also focused on body-weight workouts. Now, he’s somewhere around 315 and has a much more modern build.
As his body transformed, he found ways to enhance his game and be more versatile while also dominating with the size he still possesses. With the help of his coaching and player development staff, Jackson feels as if the evolution of his on-court game was seamless as he learned to play with a more slender frame.
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NBA Draft and the Return to Football
As Jackson's basketball career progressed, he entered the NBA draft process. Talent evaluators projected him as a possible late second-round selection likely to go undrafted. While he considered opportunities in the G League and overseas, football re-emerged as a potential path.
"It was just making the right decision at the end of the day and evaluating all opportunities that I had on the table," Jackson said. "I had to figure out what I was going to do, where I was going to start from, where I was going to begin in making this transition. Then I just got to work."
In July 2024, Georgia made an intriguing late addition to its 2024 signing class with a commitment from former elite basketball recruit Jahzare Jackson, a 6-foot-11 offensive tackle who now stands among the tallest players in college football.
Commitment to Georgia and Future Football Aspirations
Jackson's recruitment drew interest from across the Power 4. He took June visits to Florida, Florida State and Mississippi State before closing out with Georgia, where he sensed a fit among his future teammates, found a connection with the coaching staff and discovered an environment reminiscent of the one he knew at Overtime Elite.
He committed to the University of Georgia, opting to return to the sport where his athletic journey began. "I'm embracing being able to come back to the sport that started it all for me in my athletic career," Jackson said. He arrived at Georgia measuring 6-11, 340 pounds, instantly asserting himself as one of tallest players in recent college football.
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According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Jackson will be the fourth Division I football player listed at 6-11 since 2017 and the second among active players, joining Jacksonville State offensive lineman Tom Hadary. According to Pro Football Reference data, the NFL scouting combine has hosted only two players over 6-foot-9 since 2000 -- former Georgia offensive lineman Dennis Roland and current Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper.
Jackson said he arrived at Georgia measuring 6-11, 340 pounds, instantly asserting himself as one of tallest players in recent college football.
"This year, the plan is for me to come in there and buy into their scheme and learn their scheme and also just develop and get better fundamentally," Jackson told ESPN. "They want me to come in my first year and be able to play maybe 20-30 snaps for the season. After that, they think I have the potential to come in my second year and be a starter."
This fall will be viewed as a development window for Jackson, one of six offensive lineman in the program's class of 2024. In Year 2, he plans to compete for starting snaps on the Bulldogs' offensive line with at least one eye on NFL draft eligibility at the end of the 2025 season.
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite his promising trajectory, Jackson faced a setback in July 2025 when he was arrested on multiple charges, including felony possession of marijuana. The incident raised questions about his status with the team, but further details and consequences remain to be seen.
New details have emerged regarding the recent arrest of Georgia offensive lineman Jahzare Jackson. The most serious of the four charges was a felony possession of marijuana more than 1 oz.
Jackson was also charged with possession of marijuana less than 1 oz., possession, use of drug-related objects, and physically holding or supporting, with any part of his or her body, a wireless device while operating a motor vehicle. Those three charges are all misdemeanors. on July 16 near the intersection of West Broad St and Hawthorne Ave in Athens. Per the report, the arresting officer noticed that Jackson had driven past while having neither of his hands on the steering wheel and that the officer saw that Jackson had both of his hands on his phone. During the traffic stop, the officer allegedly noticed a strong odor coming from the car. The officer asked Jackson about the smell and Jackson “immediately started breathing hard as if he was having an anxiety attack.”
After calming Jackson down, the officer then asked Jackson if his vehicle could be searched, to which the Georgia offensive lineman said yes. Jackson told the officer that there was a little over an ounce in the front trunk of the car, black Tesla SUV. In the front trunk, the officer found a black plastic bag that contained “a green leafy substance,” two packs of suspected THC gummies and full and empty boxes of rolling paper. Further inspection of the vehicle revealed a grinder, a portable rolling table and more rolling paper. Upon weighing the suspected substance, the weight was 3.1 oz. on July 17.
Leadership and Personal Growth
Beyond his athletic achievements, Jackson has demonstrated significant personal growth, particularly in his leadership abilities. During his time at OTE, he emerged as a mentor for younger players, guiding them through the challenges of pursuing their dreams.
“I felt like I've grown a lot as a leader being here for three years. And kind of just understanding what it takes and what you will be put through,” said Jackson of his leadership. “So it kind of just being that older brother that others can look up to or they can ask questions whenever they’re struggling with something. Because at the end of the day, I know what it feels like. I’ve been in their shoes before - when you don't want to get in the gym because you're tired or don't want to lift because you're sore. I've been there so I can relate. So just kind of just telling them how it’s gonna happen knowing it's gonna make you a better person.”
A Dynamic Player with Untapped Potential
Jackson describes his game as dynamic, highlighting his versatility and ability to surprise opponents. He is continuously working on expanding his skill set and becoming a dominant force on the court or field.
“I would describe my game as dynamic. I’m able to do things that a lot of people don’t expect me to do, whether that's handle the ball, shoot the ball, or even pass the ball. And then finishing around the rim and my footwork. I feel like I’ve got some of the best footwork around along with the touch around the rim and just being a dominant force in general. l want to be a dominant player whenever I step on the court,” said Jackson.
He models his game after players like Shaquille O'Neal, DeMarcus Cousins and Zach Randolph, aiming to dominate the paint on both ends of the court.