At 6‑foot‑2 and 210 pounds, Exavier Jackson arrived at Redwood High School with a reputation that stretched beyond the campus. As a freshman, he stepped onto the varsity field for the first time on August 21, 2024, in a decisive 42‑14 victory over Dinuba at the Mineral King Bowl in Visalia.
Jackson’s impact was immediate. He caught two touchdown passes, a five‑yard fade and a nine‑yard reception, and averaged nearly 13 yards per reception. His ability to win single‑coverage situations forced the Dinuba defense to shift its focus away from other playmakers, opening space for his breakthrough.
The Redwood offense was a collaborative effort. Quarterbacks Michael Garcia and Nash McElree each found Jackson in the end zone, linking up for scores that highlighted his versatility as both a tight end and a receiver. Junior wideout Jairus Brooks also contributed a 34‑yard touchdown in the third quarter, underscoring the depth of the team’s attacking options.
Family roots and early promise
Jackson’s performance was not an isolated incident but part of a family tradition. His uncle, Kenny Jackson, starred at the University of Central Florida before becoming the head track and field coach at College of the Sequoias. Cousin K.J. Jackson, after stints at Mission Oak and Bethune‑Cookman, now patrols the defensive backfield for the same college. Even older brother A.J. Jackson Jr. signed with South Dakota Mines in 2025, reinforcing a football lineage that runs deep in the Jackson household.
The buzz surrounding Jackson extends beyond Redwood’s sidelines. Shortly after graduating from Ridgeview Middle School in June 2024, the school received recruitment interest from Fresno State and Sacramento State, signaling that coaches recognize a talent that could transcend high school ranks. Multiple colleges have already extended offers, positioning the freshman as one of the most coveted prospects in the class.
With a blend of physical presence, refined route running and a pedigree that suggests a natural feel for the game, Exavier Jackson is poised to become a generational talent. As the season progresses, his development will be closely watched by scouts eager to see how a freshman can sustain such early excellence.