Kareem Jackson

Jackson was overshadowed by a higher-profile surrounding cast at Alabama. But the cornerback played an integral role in the secondary for the Crimson Tide's national championship defense. Jackson was presented with the team's 2008 Unsung Hero Award for his contributions to the success of the team with the least recognition, but he continued to perform out of the spotlight. The durable and consistent cornerback played in every game for the Crimson Tide over the past three seasons, starting the last 38 contests. He collected 29 pass deflections to rank fourth on the school's all-time record list. The cornerback increased his number of pass breakups in each season at Alabama, and his progression as a player coincides with the success Alabama has had on defense. In his first season, Jackson and the Crimson Tide secondary allowed 221.31 passing yards per game to rank 48th in the country as the team finished with a 7-6 record. The following campaign, the secondary saw an increase in effectiveness as they rose to 30th nationally, allowing 189.36 aerial yards per game while the team concluded the year with a 12-2 record. In Jackson's final season, the defense led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated record and a victory in the BCS National Championship game. Jackson's ability as a shutdown cornerback and the secondary's aggressiveness in press coverage were big reasons why, as they allowed just 166.00 passing yards per game as a unit to rank 10th nationally. Jackson was a star running back at Westside High School. He was rated 17th-best overall prospect in the nation by Rivals.com and competed in The Max Emfinger Third Annual High School All-American Bowl Classic in Shreveport, La. As a senior, he rushed for 1,436 yards with 20 touchdowns, adding 16 tackles with three interceptions on defense. Jackson originally intended to enroll at Vanderbilt University, but the staff asked him to go to Fork Union Military Academy to improve his academics. At Fork Union, he excelled at cornerback, intercepting five passes in his only season at the school. He was given a four-star rating from Rivals.com. After the 2007 season, he changed his mind on Vanderbilt and elected to sign with Alabama following his stint at Fork Union. He was an instant sensation at Alabama, enrolling in time (January of 2007) to compete in spring drills. He came off the bench in the season opener, but started every other game for the Crimson Tide. He ranked fifth on the team with 66 tackles (48 solo) and finished second on the squad with three interceptions. Jackson was named Alabama's Co-Player of the Week after putting on an outstanding performance vs. Tennessee, collecting six solo tackles with one tackle for loss, two pass deflections and two interceptions returned for 29 yards. He captured first-team Freshman All-Southeastern Conference honors from the league's coaches. The following season, Jackson provided the Crimson Tide with a lockdown defender on the edge. He started all 14 games and registered 44 tackles (28 solos), eighth-best on the team, as he added one interception, 10 pass deflections, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick. At season's end, Jackson was presented with the team's 2008 Unsung Hero Award for his contributions to the success of the team with the least recognition. In his final season at Alabama, Jackson was a valuable piece of a secondary that ranked 10th nationally allowing just 166 aerial yards per game. He collected 49 tackles (30 solo) to rank sixth on the team and added three tackles for loss, one interception and 13 pass deflections. Jackson came up big for the eventual national champs vs. Florida in the SEC title game, as he racked up a season-high six tackles with one stop for loss and two pass deflections. At season's end, Jackson announced he would forgo his final season of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.

run support

Aggressive to the line of scrimmage to help against the run, protecting the edge and forcing the back to cut back inside. Fights through the receiver's block and has the agility to elude bigger blockers in tight quarters. Good vision and effort to cut through the trash in pursuit. Takes good angles in pursuit.

man coverage

Good bump-and-run corner. Provides a good, physical pop at the line of scrimmage and keeps his hand on the receiver downfield to control. Good use of body to push the receiver outside, using the sideline to help cut off the space in which the quarterback can throw the ball. Allows too much separation on deep routes and has stiffness in his hips when suddenly changing direction. Face guards at this level, but won't be allowed to do so in the NFL.

tackling

Strong wrap-up tackler. Brings his hips through and can be a big hitter on the boundary. Willing to face up bigger ballcarriers. Will lead with his shoulder when he sees the receiver in a vulnerable position. Good strength for the drag-down tackle when trailing the receiver across the middle.

zone coverage

Good awareness for zone coverage. A bit high in his backpedal and has some stiffness in his hips, but trusts his eyes and locates the football quickly. Savvy, physical player. Likes to use his hands to re-route the receiver. Has quick feet and a good burst out of his breaks to close.

intangibles

Highly competitive player that puts in time in the film room. Asked for his grade from the NFL Advisory Committee, but didn't read it upon receiving it. Jackson gave the unopened envelope to Nick Saban to hold until after the BCS National Championship game so that the contents wouldn't be a distraction.

closing/recovery

Lacks an elite second gear to recover if beaten initially, but has an impressive burst downhill to close on the ball. Plants his foot and drives, showing good body control to adjust around the receiver and get his hands on the ball. Times his leaps well and has an explosive vertical. Good hand-eye coordination and ball skills to extend and pluck outside of his frame.

read & react

Good route recognition. Reads the body lean of his opponent and has the athleticism to react accordingly. He anticipates the path of the ball and extends to reach around a receiver to break up passes. Reads run quickly and attacks the run on the perimeter.

No major injuries reported.

Campus: 4.48 in the 40-yard dash

1.55 10-yard dash

2.61 20-yard dash

4.14 20-yard shuttle

11.28 60-yard shuttle

6.92 three-cone drill

37 1/2-inch vertical jump

9'9" broad jump

Bench pressed 225 pounds 13 times

30-inch arm length

9 1/8-inch hands. PREP SCHOOL Attended Fork Union Military Academy (Fork Union, Va.), playing football for coaches John Shuman and Mickey Sullivan

He intercepted five passes in his only season at the school

Jackson was given a four-star rating by Rivals.com

Was offered scholarships from Bowling Green, Connecticut, Maryland, New Mexico State, Temple and Vanderbilt before signing with Alabama.

Attended Westside High School (Macon, Ga.), playing football for head coach David Daniels

Compiled 1,436 rushing yards with 20 touchdowns and nine receptions for 256 yards and two touchdowns on offense, as he added 16 tackles and three interceptions on defense as a senior

Concluded a three-year varsity career with over 3,447 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns

Played in The Max Emfinger Third Annual High School All-American Classic

Rated the 17th-best overall prospect in the nation by Rivals.com

Originally agreed to play football for Vanderbilt, but the school recommended he spend a season at Fork Union Military Academy after Jackson's SAT score failed to qualify.

General Studies major

Born 4/10/88

Resides in Macon, Georgia.