Giles Jackson commitment graphic. (Art by Brandon Whitaker/BillionBus)

New Michigan Man: ATH Giles Jackson Commits to Michigan

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

Michigan’s offense needs more explosive playmakers and it needs it especially at the receiver position. It’s also a position that needs depth moving forward and with two commits already in this class, the staff just added one of the most dynamic players in the entire 2019 class as Freedom (CA) ATH Giles Jackson has committed to Michigan.

Commitment

Scouting Report

Jackson may not be the biggest guy on the field but he’s easily the slipperiest. The tough-nosed slot receiver has the ability to stop on a dime, shake defenders, and go from zero-to-sixty at the drop of a hat. His speed and quickness make him extremely tough to tackle when he has the ball in his hands but he’s also a very good route runner and looks to fit in very well as a home run hitter for a Michigan offense in need of it. He could be used as a mismatch nightmare out wide, in the slot, or out of the backfield. At the very least, he should be a special teams dynamo as both a return man and a gunner.

Recruitment

This was a bit of a roller coaster of a recruitment. Michigan didn’t offer Jackson until mid-June after he made a name for himself on the camp circuit. But the offer clearly was a gamechanger for the dynamic west coast offensive weapon. He quickly made an unofficial visit to Ann Arbor and came away extremely impressed with what the program has to offer and what he could be in the Michigan offense. However, the Wolverines weren’t the team to beat for him over the summer.

Oregon was the favorite and was extremely close to receiving his pledge. But things were put on hold and Michigan jumped at the opening. The relationship with current 2019 commitment and Jackson’s 7on teammate, QB Cade McNamara, was a big factor here but also the chance to fill a role that the offense is missing at slot receiver. Thanks to that connection and his potential role in Ann Arbor, he let Jim Harbaugh know of his decision earlier last week and dropped his commitment graphic from BillionBus just days later.

Jackson’s addition to the class gives Michigan one of the most dynamic offensive recruiting hauls in the country with Jackson, APB Eric Gray, RB Zach Charbonnet, WR George Johnson, WR Quintel Kent, and TE Erick All. His addition also sures up the haul if any attrition takes place.

  • Height: 5’9”
  • Weight: 175lbs
  • Hometown (School): Oakley, CA (Freedom)
  • Notable Offers: Oregon, USC, Florida, Cal, Colorado
  • Rankings: Rivals (3*, #7 APB) – 247Sports (4*, #213 overall) – ESPN (3*, #42 ATH)
  • Composite Ranking: Four-star, #362 Overall, #5 APB, #45 in California

Highlights 

As for the Rest of the Class

Jackson is the 22nd commitment in the 2019 class, the third wide receiver commit, and the second commitment out of California. His addition likely ends the pursuit of ATH Wandale Robinson and any other slot receiver/all-purpose back, barring any changes to the class. The staff still looks to be heavily targeting another outside receiver for this class with WR Kyle Ford being the top target and Baylor commit WR Jaylen Ellis (who visited for the Western Michigan game) and WR Cornelius Johnson being the other top names on the board.

As for names to watch as the next possible additions to the class, elite five-star S Daxton Hill looks to be a battle between Michigan and Alabama. He will be officially visiting Michigan this upcoming weekend for the SMU game and though he’s not expected to make a decision soon, UM could solidify their place atop his list.

Garrett Fishaw
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