If one word could describe Jackson Cravens transferring to BYU from Boise State it would be “homecoming”. The grad transfer has spent the last 4 seasons as a bronco. In his first season he had to sit out due to NCAA transfer rule and the last three he has seen a lot of quality playing time and made an impact on the BSU defense making 61 tackles in his time there. So why homecoming? It’s because Provo is his home! Byu football has basically been in his backyard!
Growing up football has always been a part of Jackson’s life. He started playing when he was 8 years old and grew into the position of linebacker. One of Jackson’s favorite moments playing football happened when he was young, as a middle linebacker. He blitzed on a play and was able to strip the ball right out of the quarterback’s hands and ran right in for 6 points! When he went into high school (Timpview) his coach saw his potential to grow and move him to the defensive tackle position. From there he has grown into the impact player we have seen on the field for BSU and now for the Cougs.
Jackson had this to say about his transfer decision “I definitely left my options open but once I talked to BYU, I knew that’s where I wanted to go. It just felt right. I also wanted to be home, back by family. So BYU was an easy choice. Also, playing for such a great and big time program and coaching staff was huge for me and I knew BYU had all that.” As stated before Jackson is a grad transfer and is coming to BYU with a degree in communications and is now applying to get into the Biology grad program.
If you are wondering what sets Jackon apart from other D-tackles let me tell you it is because of his ability to understand and see where the ball is at all times. Tackles already have the responsibility of playing their block perfectly and taking on double teams, on top of that as Jackson says himself “I believe I have a great ability to understand where the ball is going and getting to the ball” and this is clearly true about him due to his stats from his past 4 years plays football. BYU is getting a true lover and player of the game.
The future for this defensive tackle is very bright. He is already planning for how he wants to spend his life after college football, by working hard with his football talents and his academic endeavors. He sees himself in the NFL or starting his own business. A big part of preparing for the future is focusing on his upcoming season with the Cougs. “I am really excited to play in LES in front of Cougar nation. The atmosphere there is so electric and an environment I cannot wait to play in”, and we cannot wait to see Jackson this fall as he plays his final year in college