Jonah Jackson, the Penncrest High product who helped anchor the offensive line of the Big 10 champion Ohio State Buckeyes last season, feel the burn with his teammates. Photo by Daily Times
By Bob Grotz
For Jonah Jackson, growing up in Media meant hoagies at Tiny T’s, helping the old man detail cars and in 2014, playing first-team All-Delco-level football at Penncrest High.
All of it and a college experience that mirrored life in the NFL by way of a transfer have made the 6-foot-4, 305-pound Jackson a possible second-day selection in the upcoming NFL cyber draft.
The path that the powerful guard, center and certified Eagles fan followed in opening eyes is captivating. General managers, scouts, coaches and league owners have gone over it, FaceTiming him in the virtual pre-draft process necessary because of a ban on visits due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jackson helped an Ohio State team boasting such first-round talents as pass rusher Chase Young, cornerback Jeff Okudah and running back J.K. Dobbins battle to within a touchdown of playing for the national championship last season. He’s one of 11 Buckeyes with draft-worthy grades by Ourlad’s Scouting Services.
“I feel like Zoom and all the different apps that they have to conduct those interviews is just as valuable as a face-to-face interaction,” Jackson said. “You just don’t get to see them in person. You’re able to watch film on it and multiple people are able to be in on the call and talk to you.”
Jackson has spoken to all 32 NFL teams, including the Eagles, who he followed regularly through the transition from quarterback Donovan McNabb to Michael Vick. Jackson had formal interviews at the combine with eight or nine of those teams. The Eagles just happen to be looking for guard-center depth up front.
