With UW Corners Coming and Going, Jackson Emerges Healthy and Capable

Cornerbacks have been a continual part of the conversation for University of Washington football since Kalen DeBoer took over as coach, and they were still stirring discussion and making headlines with spring practice just days away.

At a Friday news conference, DeBoer revealed how senior Julius Irvin was forced to medically retire because of multiple injures.

He shared how returning starter Mishael Powell would be tried at safety and the Husky hybrid role as part of a cross-training plan for a number of selected defensive backs.

DeBoer relayed how sophomore Davon Banks, lost to a season-ending injury last fall, would be held out of contact this spring while he continues to recover. 

The coach next mentioned how Oklahoma State transfer Jabbar Muhammad had impressed in his conditioning workouts. 

And yet there was yet another cornerback the Husky football coach felt obliged to mention as he went down the list.

"One guy I think has really evolved and come along here is Elijah Jackson," DeBoer said, mentioning that the sophomore had impressed everyone by turning in a 40-inch vertical leap and he brought a lot of other inviting traits.

What this means is, while the Huskies look to shore up a back row that was victimized nonstop last fall, it won't necessarily be turning only to newcomers from the transfer portal, JC or high school ranks to upgrade the position.

The 6-foot-1, 191-pound Jackson from Carson, California, was injured when last season began, but played in seven games, starting against Arizona State and Arizona.

He's fully healthy now and, with his good health and all of his attributes, the coaching staff finds that encouraging news.

"He's got the length and he's got the athleticism," DeBoer said. "That's super exciting."

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