Landon Jackson

Landon Jackson, Arkansas, DE, 6060, 264, Sr.

Draft Profile

Overview

Jackson projects as a scheme-versatile defensive lineman, offering significant value as a starting base end in even fronts or as a strong-side defensive end in 3-4 systems. His ability to dominate against the run and push the pocket makes him an ideal fit for teams that emphasize controlling the line of scrimmage. While he may not develop into a double-digit sack player, Jackson’s length, power, and technical refinement provide a high floor as a reliable early-down contributor. Teams that utilize creative pressure packages can maximize Jackson’s developing pass-rush arsenal, offering him opportunities to expand his impact on passing downs. With strong coaching and continued development of his rush techniques, Jackson could grow into a cornerstone defender, excelling in both run-stopping and complementary pass-rushing roles. His profile closely mirrors that of Alex Highsmith—a relentless, power-based edge defender who leverages length and effort to outplay opponents.

Background

Hailing from Texarkana, Jackson’s journey began as a high school legend at Pleasant Grove, where his 45 career sacks and Defensive Player of the Year accolades made him a coveted prospect in the 2021 class. Initially committing to LSU, Jackson’s freshman season was quiet, leading him to transfer to Arkansas. This move proved transformative, as he steadily grew from a rotational player in 2022 to an All-SEC performer by 2023, recording 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. His standout performances, including a dominant stretch against Ole Miss, Texas, and Louisiana Tech, highlighted his ability to take over games. Jackson’s signature outing against Texas A&M, where he logged eight tackles and two sacks, cemented his reputation as one of the SEC’s most disruptive defenders. Despite his 2024 season ending prematurely due to injury, Jackson’s consistent production and ability to impact games across multiple alignments make him a standout prospect.

Scouting Report

Pros: Jackson’s length and power at the point of attack consistently create immediate displacement in the run game, overpowering tight ends and tackles alike. His advanced hand techniques, including a potent cross-chop move, enable him to win pass-rush reps effectively while setting up counters with precision. Jackson is a masterful edge-setter, leveraging his height and natural power to anchor against pulling guards and maintain gap integrity. As a stunter, his lateral quickness and timing make him a dangerous weapon in creative defensive schemes. His high football IQ is evident in his run fits, as he consistently maintains discipline and rarely finds himself out of position. Jackson’s relentless motor allows him to make plays well beyond the line of scrimmage, exemplifying his hustle and effort. His versatility to shift between 3-tech and wide-9 alignments ensures that he remains a valuable asset in any defensive front.

Cons: Jackson’s limited bend and flexibility reduce his ability to flatten around the corner when rushing athletic tackles. His initial get-off is methodical rather than explosive, leaving him unable to consistently threaten the edge with pure speed. Occasionally, Jackson’s pad level rises during his pass rush, allowing blockers to neutralize his momentum and control the engagement. He struggles in space, appearing stiff when asked to redirect or change direction. Jackson’s pass-rush plan remains a work in progress, as he leans heavily on power moves and must expand his repertoire to become a more dynamic threat.

HISTORY FROM SCHOOL PROFILE: 

2023 First-Team All-SEC (Coaches)
2023 Second-Team All-SEC (AP, Phil Steele)

2023 (JUNIOR): Started all 12 games at defense end on his way to earning First-Team All-SEC recognition from the league’s coaches and second-team honors from the Associated Press … Led Arkansas in tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (6.5) while making a career-best 44 total tackles … Entered the season with 3.5 career tackles for loss and three sacks … His 13.5 TFLs were sixth in the SEC and his 6.5 sacks were good for 12th … Logged four stops with 1.5 tackles for loss in season-opening win over Western Carolina (Sept. 2) … Registered his first sack of the season in win vs. Kent State (Sept. 9) … Made it three straight games with a tackle for loss and back-to-back games with a sack with three TFLs and a sack as part of four-tackle game vs. BYU (Sept. 16) … Made one tackle at LSU (Sept. 23) … Logged three tackles, including one tackle for loss, vs. Texas A&M (Sept. 23) … Recorded five stops at Ole Miss (Oct. 7) … Posted a career-day at Alabama (Oct. 14) making a career-high 11 tackles to go with a career-best 3.5 sacks to earn SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week and Bednarik Award Player of the Week … Broke up a pass and made four tackles vs. Mississippi State (Oct. 21) … Logged one tackle for loss in win at Florida (Nov. 4) … Made three tackles vs. Auburn (Nov. 11) … Recorded his final sack of the season as part of four tackles in victory vs. Florida International (Nov. 18) … Posted a pair of stops vs. Missouri (Nov. 24).

2022 (SOPHOMORE): Played in all 13 games, starting seven, while collecting 23 total tackles with three sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble … Three sacks ranked fifth on the team and ranks third among returners … Made his Arkansas debut with a five-tackle game with a half sack in win over Cincinnati (Sept. 3) … Recorded a sack as part of three-tackle performance in win vs. Missouri State (Sept. 17) … Made it two games in a row with a sack with one vs. Texas A&M (Sept. 24), made three total tackles and forced a fumble … Logged a pair of stops vs. Alabama (Oct. 1) … Made three tackles at Mississippi State (Oct. 8) … Blocked a field goal attempt at Auburn (Oct. 29) … Chipped in three tackles vs. Liberty (Nov. 5) … Made one stop vs. LSU (Nov. 12), including a half sack … Made two tackles, including a half tackle for loss, in AutoZone Liberty Bowl victory over Kansas (Dec. 28).

At LSU
2021 (FRESHMAN): Played in five games, seeing all his action on special teams … Did not record any statistics … Joined the program as an early enrollee, graduating from high school in December and enrolling at LSU in January 2021.

HIGH SCHOOL: Consensus four-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … Rated the No. 7 defensive lineman nationally and the No. 19 prospect in the state of Texas by 247Sports … Ranked the nation’s No. 76 prospect in the class of 2021 by ESPN … Played on the defensive line for head coach Josh Gibson at Pleasant Grove High School … Racked up over 45 sacks in his high school career, including 17.0 in 2019 as a junior… As a junior, named the Texas Sports Writers Association 4A Defensive Player of the Year, MaxPreps First-Team All-American as he helped Pleasant Grove to a Texas 4A D-II state championship … As a sophomore, unanimous first team all-district selection … As a freshman, was named Texas District 7-4A-II Defensive Newcomer of the Year and helped Pleasant Grove to a state championship … Sports Illustrated All-American candidate … CHOSE LSU OVER: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Baylor, Florida State, Tennessee and others.

PERSONAL: Son of Katie Peek and Larry Jackson … Has two brothers, Lance Jackson and Bronx Peek, and one sister, Kensington Peek … Born January 2, 2003.

2022

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
3.0	2.0	21.0	0.0	1.0	3.0	9.0