"Player of the Week: The Total Package Playmaker"

Jackson Smith

@JACKSON_M_SMITH

6’0, 170lbs, Class of 2026

Collinwood HS, TN

Quarterback | Kicker | Defensive Back

Jackson is the definition of versatility, an electric athlete who makes every snap a highlight waiting to happen. Smooth in his footwork, yet fierce and punishing in his aggression, he mixes speed, balance, and toughness into a dynamic package that leaves defenses scrambling. With the ability to juke defenders out of their shoes or bounce off contact and keep surging forward, Jackson has become a nightmare matchup. Whether he’s making plays as a quarterback, delivering booming kicks, or shutting down opponents on defense, he is the total package—a weapon who thrives in every phase of the game.

Through two games this season, Jackson has already shown he’s elevated his game. Last season he had 990 all-purpose yards, completed 45 passes for 679 yards and two touchdowns, added 311 rushing yards with two more scores, while also having 35 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 12 touchbacks, including a 58-yard punt, he’s wasted no time proving this year will be even bigger. In just two games of this current season, he has already had 450 all-purpose yards, and his Player of the Week performance against Collinwood sealed the spotlight. In that 31–0 statement win, he went 12 of 14 for 205 yards and a touchdown, added 28 rushing yards and another score, knocked through a 35-yard field goal, went 4-for-4 on PATs, and sent four of five kickoffs into the endzone. On defense, he chipped in two tackles for loss and a pass breakup to complete a three-phase performance.

The most impactful moment so far wasn’t a single stat line, but the statement his team made in Week 1, silencing doubters who said they weren’t good enough to win. Jackson’s expanded role this year has only amplified his importance; no longer just the blue-collar gem, he’s the firestarter and finisher, a force opponents must account for on every down. The jump from underrated grinder to “Player of the Week” in such a short span is a testament to the hours of film study, relentless training, and unwavering belief in his ability to take over a game. What fuels him is simple: an unshakable love for the game and the hunger to compete at the next level.

Jackson makes it clear that none of this is possible without his teammates. Every touchdown, every defensive stop, and every special teams win is tied to their collective energy and accountability. They push each other, lift each other, and give him the platform to perform at his best. Looking ahead, Jackson promised to sustain this momentum by giving 110% every snap, in practice and under the lights, while elevating those around him to reach their full potential.

I assess that Jackson’s elite skill set makes him a rare diamond. His accuracy and arm talent, along with his rushing ability, make him a dual-threat nightmare. Add in his kicking consistency and defensive playmaking, and he’s not just versatile, he’s indispensable. He has the mentality to compete, the toughness to finish plays, and the athleticism to tilt the game in his team’s favor.

Jackson is evolving toward being one of the most complete, all-around players in his class. His maturity, confidence, and relentless drive suggest that his ceiling is still rising. Expect him to keep stacking performances, keep silencing doubters, and keep proving he’s a must-see prospect. If he continues on this path, he won’t just be Player of the Week, but be the type of player who defines a season and anchors a program’s success. Stay tuned.