Let's be real for a second: LSU’s secondary has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. We’ve seen the highs of "DBU" and some lows that frankly had us all scratching our heads. But things just got a whole lot more interesting in Baton Rouge. On December 14, 2024, the news broke that LSU football signed former Florida cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson, and honestly, it’s one of those moves that makes too much sense once you look at the details.
If you’ve been following the transfer portal chaos, you know Brian Kelly hasn't just been looking for warm bodies. He's looking for SEC-ready talent that can step in and fix the leaky roof that was the Tigers' pass defense. Jackson isn't just a random name from the portal; he’s a 6-foot-0, 190-pound athlete with the kind of track speed (10.9 in the 100m) that makes scouts drool.
The Corey Raymond Connection is Everything
You can't talk about this move without talking about Corey Raymond. This is basically a reunion tour. See, Jackson was a high-profile recruit coming out of Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Florida. Who was the guy that helped land him at Florida? Yep, Corey Raymond.
When Raymond returned to LSU to fix the cornerback room, it felt like only a matter of time before some of his former pupils looked toward the Bayou. Jackson is the primary example. He’s now been "hand-picked" by Raymond twice—once in Gainesville and now in Baton Rouge. That tells you everything you need to know about how the coaching staff views his ceiling. Raymond doesn't just take anyone; he takes guys he knows he can turn into Sunday players.
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Why Ja’Keem Jackson Left Florida
So, why was a guy this talented even available? It’s a mix of bad luck and a crowded room. Jackson actually started the 2024 season as a starter for the Gators. He was out there in the season opener against Miami, looking like the real deal. But then, Week 2 happened.
An ankle injury against Samford ended his sophomore season before it even really started. That’s the sort of thing that can lead a player to look for a fresh start. Before the injury, he’d appeared in 13 games for Florida, totaling 11 tackles and four pass breakups. The stats don't jump off the page because he was just starting to find his rhythm.
What He Actually Brings to the Field
Jackson isn't just a "speed guy." He’s a former wide receiver, which gives him that natural ball-hawk instinct that's kinda hard to teach.
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- Length: At 6-foot-1, he has the reach to disrupt those tall SEC receivers on the boundary.
- Speed: That 10.9-second 100-meter dash time isn't a fluke. He can recover if he gets beaten off the line.
- Versatility: He’s played both press and off-man coverage.
LSU's secondary was 10th in the SEC in pass defense recently. They needed someone who won't get bullied on an island. Jackson brings that "redshirt sophomore" experience—he’s seen the speed of the SEC, even if he hasn't played 30 games yet. He joins other transfers like Mansoor Delane and Jack Pyburn (another former Gator) to completely overhaul the look of the defense for the 2025 season.
Competition in the Room
Don't think he’s just going to walk into a starting spot without a fight. The Tigers’ cornerback room is suddenly looking pretty deep. You've got Ashton Stamps returning with a ton of experience, and then there’s the five-star freshman DJ Pickett, who everyone is hyped about.
Basically, the competition in spring practice is going to be a bloodbath—in a good way. Having Jackson there as a veteran-ish presence who knows Raymond’s system inside and out gives the younger guys a benchmark. Most insiders expect Jackson to lock down one of the boundary spots, especially with Zy Alexander moving on.
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The "DBU" Identity Crisis
For a few years, the "DBU" title felt like it was slipping away from LSU. They were relying on transfers from lower divisions or guys who were talented but couldn't stay healthy. Signing a former top-50 recruit like Jackson feels like a return to form. It’s a move that prioritizes raw SEC-level athleticism.
It’s also about stability. With Lane Kiffin now in the mix and the portal moving faster than ever, getting a guy who has three years of eligibility left is a massive win. He’s not a one-year rental; he’s a piece you can build around.
What to Watch For Next
If you're an LSU fan, the first thing to watch is the Spring Game. You’ll want to see how Jackson moves after that ankle injury. If he’s back to 100%, his closing speed should be obvious. Honestly, the Tigers' defense doesn't need to be the best in the country for them to win big; they just need to stop giving up the "explosive plays" that killed them last year.
Next Steps for LSU Fans:
- Track the Spring Depth Chart: Keep an eye on whether Jackson or DJ Pickett takes the first-team reps alongside Mansoor Delane.
- Watch the Jack Pyburn Connection: Since both came from Florida, their chemistry in the locker room and on the field (Edge to Corner communication) could be a quiet advantage.
- Review the Schedule: With the SEC getting even tougher, having a lockdown corner for games against the likes of Texas and Oklahoma is going to be mandatory, not optional.
LSU football signing Ja'keem Jackson isn't just a depth move; it’s a statement that the secondary is being rebuilt with length, speed, and proven SEC potential.