Interview: Arkansas RB Ja’Quinden Jackson Had ‘Nice Dialog’ With Steelers At East-West Shrine Bowl

Frisco, Texas – Over the previous few years, Najee Harris has been a constant runner for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whereas he may not have been as productive as another working backs, he’s been a dependable participant. However scheduled to hit and more likely to attain free company, the Steelers may goal a working again within the draft. It seems like they’re doing their due diligence, assembly with Arkansas RB Ja’Quinden Jackson on the East-West Shrine Bowl.

“It was an important dialog,” Jackson tells me on the Shrine Bowl. “We placed on some video games, [watched] tape.”

Jackson has a profile much like Harris. Each are massive for his or her place with close to similar heights. Harris is 6013 whereas Jackson weighed in at 6015 on the Shrine Bowl. Harris got here out of the draft barely heavier at 232 and performed within the 240-range for many of his NFL profession earlier than shedding kilos for 2024. Jackson is already there at 225.

He brings an fascinating story to this week’s All-Star recreation. Starting his profession as a school quarterback, he didn’t make the full-time swap to working again till 2022. That would imply he has extra potential to unlock on the place. He had a profitable 2024 at Arkansas, dashing for 790 yards and 15 touchdowns on simply 149 carries.

Jackson believes his body provides him an edge on the subsequent degree.

“I’d say my measurement,” he ranked as his prime trait. “I used to be finest with the scale, however my greatest factor is I’ve to be according to sure stuff that I do. So, I’d say measurement.”

For his lack of expertise, Jackson’s have to change into constant isn’t shocking. However he already has NFL mentors keen to assist.

Jackson is cousins with Kansas Metropolis Chiefs RB Keaontay Ingram, giving him tips about how you can be a greater working again and navigating the chaotic pre-draft course of.

“On a regular basis. He tells me what to anticipate after I come to right here by means of the Mix. I speak to him rather a lot.”

The Steelers may all the time one way or the other deliver Harris again, but when they don’t, it seems like Jackson is on their radar. A great interview on the Shrine Bowl is a effective place to begin. He may present them with an enormous again to exchange Harris, and in the event that they handle to unlock extra of his abilities, he may very well be a severe menace on the sector. We’ll see if he results in Pittsburgh in a number of months.