Kirby Smart's shocking late addition to the 2024 class

Kirby Smart signs a basketball player to complete Georgia's 2024 recruiting class.

Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; rGeorgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart reacts after the 2023 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; rGeorgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart reacts after the 2023 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports | Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Six foot ten inches tall and 350 pounds. That is the height and weight of former professional basketball player Jahzare Jackson who Kirby Smart just offered a scholarship to as an offensive tackle for the Georgia Bulldogs. And Jackson quickly committed becoming the 29th player in the Bulldogs’ 2024 class to do so.

Jackson is currently a three star prospect in the class of 2024 according to On3.  He ranks as the 1,041st prospect nationally and the 121st prospect out of the state of Georgia.

What other offensive linemen has Kirby Smart developed into NFL talent?

Do not let the rankings fool you though. Since Kirby Smart has been at Georgia, names like Andrew Thomas and Amarius Mims Smart has not only developed into NFL talent, but made them into first round draft picks.

What three star prospects has Kirby Smart developed into NFL Talent?

Three star talent Smart has developed into the NFL takes no back seat either. Since his arrival in Athens, wide receiver Ladd McConkey and Jordan Davis both were three star prospects who ended up being drafted in the second and first rounds respectively the past two seasons.

What was Jhazare Jackson doing before committing to the Georgia Bulldogs?

According to On3’s Jake Reuse, “Jackson is a 20 year old prospect who had initially planned to take his talents to the NBA after playing with the Atlanta-based Overtime Elite basketball program after spending time at the IMG Academy in his early high school career.”

Jackson had planned to enter his name into the NBA Draft, but began taking football visits earlier this year to explore his options there. And when Kirby Smart calls, it is hard to ignore.

Has Jhazare Jackson ever played football?

Jackson played football in his younger years, but transitioned over to basketball over the past few years. With his basketball career seemingly on the brink however, it appears Jackson is making the switch back to the gridiron once and for all.

What other teams offered a scholarship to Jhazare Jackson?

Since he began taking recruiting visits in June, Jackson received two offers- one from the Bulldogs and one from the Florida Gators. While this does not seem like a big deal, keep in mind that this is Kirby Smart we’re talking about. And if Smart has an eye for you, that is probably a good sign.