2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Sam Jackson, OL, Central Florida

Player Data
Name, Jersey # | Sam Jackson, #73 |
School (Code) | FLCE |
DOB, Class Yr | 12/29/98, 6th YR GR |
Height, Weight | 6052v, 323v |
40 Yd Dash | 5.33v |
Arms, Hands | 3328v, 958v |
Position/Depth | OL/1st |
Honors/Captainship | Team Captain ’21 and ’22, ’22 1st Team All-AAC (PFF), 2nd Team (Coaches), 3rd Team (Steele), ’21 HM All-AAC (PFF) |
Season Viewed (yr) | 2022 |
Games Watched | OHCI, @TNMS, @LATU (AAC Championship), NCDU (Bowl) |
Scout Name / Date | Mike Bey / 4/11/23 |
Per Year Stats
2022 | 14 GP, 14 GS |
2021 | 13 GP, 13 GS |
2020 | 9 GP, 8 GS |
2019 | 13 GP, 10 GS |
2018 | 4 GP (missed first 8 games due to injury he received during Spring ball) |
2017 | 13 GP |
Player Summary:
6th yr GR and 4 yr full-time starter on the OL where he aligns at LG in the zone/gap blocking scheme of FLCE. He switched to OG from OT in 2022. He has very good height with quality weight, ordinary length, subpar speed and a stocky, powerful build. He is an average athlete showing a combination of solid COD with average explosiveness, lateral quickness and agility with adequate acceleration and below-average balance with ordinary play speed. Overall, he is solid as a run blocker. On power runs, he uses his average lateral quickness and agility to pull through the hole and takes good angles before using his sufficient play strength and UOH to seal off LB with ordinary size and adequate play speed. On inside zone runs, he effectively combo blocks the NT with the C before peeling off and uses his play strength, UOH and average physical toughness to negate the progress of the ILB when he can stay square and maintain his balance. He is above-average in pass pro. He plays with a good, wide base with average bend and does a good job of keeping his feet moving. He delivers a well-timed punch to the frame of the IDL with ordinary size, length and get off before using his solid play strength to anchor. He displays solid reactive athleticism as he picks up stunts and twists from EDGE with sufficient lateral quickness and agility twisting towards the A gap. If left uncovered in pass pro, he does a good job of assisting his teammates with their assignment. Solid mental toughness allows him to consistently play to the whistle. Mediocre counter ability combined with a lack of quality length allows DT with quick, active hands and good length to win battles with their hands inside and disengage while run blocking and in pass pro. Ordinary finish ability prevents him from finishing blocks to the ground against IDL with solid physical toughness and play strength. Adequate balance causes him to struggle to consistently keep his weight over his toes.
Scheme Fit:
OG in a pass heavy offense with a gap blocking scheme due to his ability to take good angles when pulling on power runs.
Power Statement:
Intelligent, experienced player with quality size who plays well in pass pro and is a solid run blocker overall. Lack of quality length and balance prevents him from being more consistent as a run blocker.

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