Three big things to know about Georgia football's Jahzare Jackson

If things go like most expect, Georgia football will be able to go deep down its roster Saturday against Tennessee Tech and give plenty of snaps to players that are unlikely to see many in the grind of the SEC schedule.

Guys like Jahzare Jackson, who has about as intriguing a story as any in college football this season.

The freshman offensive lineman was a late addition to Georgia’s 2024 recruiting class, going from basketball to signing in July when most rosters were set.

What’s the big deal with Jackson? Well, it’s because he is so big.

Here’s the tale of the tape for Jackson in our three things to know:

Jahzare Jackson is hard to miss

The offensive lineman is listed by Georgia at 6-foot-10 and 348 pounds.

He’ll be No. 64 if you tune in on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.

“Huge,” defensive end/outside linebacker Mykel Williams said. “He has extremely long arms. He has the athleticism in his body, so he definitely has the talent to be somebody with a lot of hard work and dedication.”

Are there any others playing college football that go 6-10? Well, UCF lists 6-10, 330-pound offensive lineman Paul Rubelt from Germany.

Bronny and Jahzare and roundball

Jackson was known for what he did on the basketball court before turning his focus to football earlier this year.

He had put his name into the NBA draft after averaging 12.1 points and 7.5 rebounds last season for Overtime Elite. The 20-year old from San Diego played AAU ball with North Coast Blue Chips with Bronny James, now on the Lakers with father LeBron.

“He was a kid that we had in camp, and he was a unique situation where he was eligible right now,” coach Kirby Smart said of Jackson. “He was a tremendous athlete, raw, hadn't played football since eighth grade. You recruit size. You recruit athleticism.”

Jahzare Jackson getting first taste of the college game

Jackson got into Georgia’s 34-3 win over Clemson last Saturday, playing 3 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

“We don't have an expectation of, 'He has to help us right now,'” Smart said. “We have an expectation of, 'He has to grow, get better and develop.' We saw that as a kid that has the ability to be a good football player if he has toughness and all the qualities it takes to play offensive line.”

He’s part of a seven-player Georgia freshman offensive line group that average 6-7 and 331 pounds.

“That's the hardest place to play besides quarterback in the SEC,” Smart said. “There's nowhere you will get exposed more than on the offensive line.”

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Three big things to know about Georgia football's Jahzare Jackson