45 Days till Kickoff: Baylor’s #45 Bryson Jackson
As always, keep track of both the stats and roster countdowns in the Offseason Hub!
Bryson Jackson, the Bears pass-rush specialist, is entering his sixth and final season in Waco. Jackson is from Mansfield, Texas, and Baylor’s website has him listed as 6-foot-2, 210 pounds. Our own Travis Roeder thinks Jackson will be a key role player for Dave Aranda and Ron Robert’s defense this upcoming fall. Jackson represented BU at Big 12 Media Days this past week and acknowledged that anything his coaches ask him to do, he will do it at “100%.”
Travis says, “you won’t see him on 1st and 10 (unless it’s an end-of-game situation where the offense has to pass), but on any clear passing down where the defense is able to substitute, Jackson will be out there. It’s because he is a GREAT natural rusher. Pass rushing is one of those skills that you need requisite athleticism for, but that athleticism only goes so far; you also need skills, instincts, and a great feel, all of which Jackson has in spades… But, bold prediction: Jackson leads the team in sacks this year, potentially with double-digit sacks. Games often come down to players making big plays in big moments. Watch out for late-game moments, such as when Baylor plays Texas in Austin, for Bryson to come up with a huge sack late in the game.”
In 2021, Jackson played in all 14 games and recorded career-highs in tackles (15), TFL (5), and sacks (3.5). Jackson notched his best game of the season against No. 9 Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl, where he recorded four tackles and two sacks, including the tenth and final sack that iced the game.
The Mansfield native played in eight of nine games in 2020, mostly on special teams. He tallied four tackles on the season. As a sophomore in 2019, Jackson played in 13 of 14 games, mostly on special teams as well. He did not appear in a game in 2018 and redshirted the 2017 season.
Coming out of Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield, Texas, Jackson was a two-time All-District linebacker. 247 Sports rated him as a three-star recruit, the nation’s No. 90 OLB prospect, and the No. 153 player within the state of Texas. He totaled 83 tackles, four TFLs, seven sacks, 13 QB hurries, and one forced fumble as a senior in 2016. In high school, he also competed in track and field.
Jackson originally committed to Minnesota but flipped to Baylor in Matt Rhule’s first recruiting class.