Giles Jackson hasn't gotten much attention throughout the fall after Kalen DeBoer had high praise for the former Michigan transfer during spring practice as the emergence of Denzel Boston has taken center stage. However, Jackson has still found a way to carve out a consistent role for himself in the offense.
Running with the second team, Jackson has become a reliable target for freshman quarterback Austin Mack while Dylan Morris fills in for Michael Penix. The 17-year-old Mack needs a consistent security blanket as he learns the playbook and develops in the offense and Jackson has been that reliable target for him.
But the question remains, what kind of role will Jackson have in 2023? Between the emergence of Boston, the return of Germie Bernard from Michigan State, and the starters ahead of them, not to mention a talented group of running backs and tight ends, touches for Jackson are going to be hard to come by.
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb did a great job utilizing Jackson all over the formation in 2022, including lining him up at running back. He's taken snaps in the backfield again during fall camp, but his role as a "wide back" shouldn't be too large when considering all the talent the coaching staff has accrued at the actual running back position.
Excluding kick returns, Jackson recorded 37 touches in 2022 and that should be the expectation for his role once again in 2023. If he can continue to prove that he's a reliable target who can make tough catches on third downs, Grubb should be able to find a bigger role in the offense.
Playing time is hard to come by at wide receiver for the Huskies. In fact, wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard called it the most talented room that he's ever been around earlier in the week. In what could be a banner year for the Huskies, they're going to need everyone to step up and Jackson could end up playing a part.
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