Maryland football’s J.C. Jackson is a Super Bowl champion

For the second straight year, a former Maryland football player has won the Super Bowl. After Torrey Smith won his second Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, J.C. Jackson gets to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in his first season in the NFL.

The undrafted rookie cornerback made two tackles in the Patriots’ 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams, helping hold Jared Goff to just 19-of-38 passing for 229 yards and an interception. The Rams’ three points tied the record for the fewest in the Super Bowl, sharing the mark with the Miami Dolphins, who lost to the Dallas Cowboys 24-3 in Super Bowl VI.

It’s been quite the year for Jackson. After declaring for the draft following the end of last season, he was passed over in all seven rounds and signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent. He became a critical part of their secondary, recording 24 tackles and three interceptions in 13 games.

Jackson came to Maryland in 2016 to help rehab his college and future professional career. He originally committed to Florida, redshirting in 2014 after suffering a season-ending injury, and never saw the field for the Gators after they dismissed him from the program for an armed robbery arrest. Jackson was acquitted, and spent 2015 at Riverside City College in California before coming to College Park.

Now, he can call himself a Super Bowl champion.

In other news

Maryland football got commits yesterday from punter Anthony Pecorella and tight end Tyler Devara, and also hired Brian Williams (no, not that one) as linebackers coach.

Women’s basketball takes on Illinois tonight. Sean has the preview.

Men’s basketball had a tough Friday night in Madison, fading late in a 69-61 loss to No. 24 Wisconsin.

Wrestling had similar struggles against the Badgers, falling 30-9 to the No. 16 team in the country.

Men’s lacrosse opened its season with an 11-6 win over Bucknell. Lila braved the cold to take some great photos.

The tennis team went one 1-1 in its first homestand of the season.

Gymnastics scored a season high in a win at Rutgers Saturday night.

Men’s track and field set a new school record in the 4x400 meter relay this weekend.

And last but certainly not least, Maryland men’s soccer held a banquet Saturday night to celebrate its national championship.