Three-star running back Ebony Jackson of Marietta, Georgia, announced his commitment to Maryland football Saturday night during an official visit to College Park.
@CoachLocks @coachBrawl @UMDCoachBrooks 1000% pic.twitter.com/xkRMTLXwCm
— ebony jackson ✞ ¹ (@heavoo6) June 16, 2019
Jackson becomes the highest-rated recruit on board for Maryland in the 2020 class so far (0.8817 composite rating). He stands as a top-500 overall prospect, the nation’s No. 30 running back and the No. 46 player in Georgia. With this commitment, the Terrapins’ class moves up to 35th nationally, but remains eighth-ranked in the Big Ten.
Despite being 6’1, 205 pounds, Jackson exhibits incredible speed and burst out of the backfield. Whether it is a handoff, toss or catching a pass, Jackson instantly turns on the jets and makes plays. That size and speed makes him tough for defenders to bring down, and those who try are often met with a strong stiff-arm. His ability to switch hands quickly on the run is also notable, as some backs struggle with turnovers due to not being as fluid in the transition.
The running back position is one that the Terrapins will be looking to build more depth in during the class of 2020 after not signing one for the 2018 or 2019 class. Maryland will sport a rather young group of backs this fall, but it’s important to build depth up and let a back like Jackson learn under the talent on campus. With Anthony McFarland draft-eligible after this season and three running backs potentially entering senior seasons in 2020, the Terrapin running back room could see major changes.
This commitment marks Maryland’s 10th in the Class of 2020 and the third from the state of Georgia, following defensive end Jordan Mitchell and cornerback Rashad Battle.