[Bamabeachlivin]

With the opening of fall camp only a few days away, it's time to take a look at Alabama's celebrated 2008 signing class, and its potential impact for this fall.
NAME: Star Jackson
POSITION: Quarterback
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-3, 182
HOMETOWN/SCHOOL: Lake Worth, Fla./Lake Worth HS
SENIOR YEAR STATS: Completed 97 of 180 passes (53.9-percent) for 1,677 yards and 13 touchdowns.


LIKELIHOOD TO START IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 1
LIKELIHOOD TO PLAY IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 4

THE SKINNY
With third-year starter John Parker Wilson and sophomores Greg McElroy and Nick Fanuzzi already having had the benefit of a spring under new offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, it would likely take an incredible rash of injuries for Jackson to become the No. 1 quarterback this season. Depending upon how well he picks up the offense in fall camp, however, he might see some playing time as a true freshman. He will be the only true dual-threat quarterback on campus this fall, and could take a few snaps in select packages to provide the Crimson Tide offense with a change-of-pace under center.

ESPN SCOUTS INC. EVALUATION
Jackson is the true definition of a dual-threat because being outside of the pocket is where he is at his very best. He is a lanky athlete with good feet, elusiveness and athleticism to create. When in the pocket, Jackson is consistent in his methods and fundamentals. He gets set quickly, shows good understanding of timing and throws on time. He does a nice job of keeping his eyes downfield, being a passer first and not using his running ability unless he needs to. Shows adequate arm strength, a smooth release and flashes touch and timing on the fade route. He is a fluid runner with good foot speed and can be a dangerous runner. Shows good quickness, change-of-direction skills and can make people miss in space. However, Jackson can be very mechanical in the passing game. He's almost too regimented. You like his timing and as mentioned he is consistent, but rigid. Arm strength is not outstanding, but he is accurate. He lacks power as a downfield passer and his arm is more suited for the short-to-intermediate passing game.
Story

[Stoney]

Jackson needs to look at other positions.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Jackson needs to look at other positions.

Why do you say that he is of the style of QB that Saban likes one who can run as well as pass, maybe not a deep passer yet, but a good passer and a duel threat is just what Bama needs to keep defenses honest.

[Stoney]

Because I have seen him play [he wasn't all that] and he needs to be looking at what his athleticism can get him playing time wise. Saban needs people who can fill holes.

[Lefty Noob]

From the description, it sounds like he'd be a perfect West Coast offense QB.
What's holding him back, Stoney? Is it something the coaches can work on, help him overcome?

[Stoney]

Lefty I watched the kid play, I'm not impressed. If you go back and watch the High School allstars game he was at best average. There is little doubt he is athletic I just don't see him at QB when we have so many holes to fill.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Lefty I watched the kid play, I'm not impressed. If you go back and watch the High School allstars game he was at best average. There is little doubt he is athletic I just don't see him at QB when we have so many holes to fill.

An Allstar Game that means the best of the best so I think average is pretty good. Stoney if you remember Julio Jones did not even look average in a allstar game and we think that He is going to come in and man handle the best of the SEC, boy we might be in for a shock or can players have a so so game or worst? I watched some of both and with the offense Bama is going to He could be a perfect fit.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Bamabeachlivin

An Allstar Game that means the best of the best so I think average is pretty good. Stoney if you remember Julio Jones did not even look average in a allstar game and we think that He is going to come in and man handle the best of the SEC, boy we might be in for a shock or can players have a so so game or worst? I watched some of both and with the offense Bama is going to He could be a perfect fit.

Okay let's assume in a couple of years he sees some time at QB. So what about the wasted years he is sitting on the bench, he is too much of a talent to let him just ride the pine it would not hurt him to learn a defensive position.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Okay let's assume in a couple of years he sees some time at QB. So what about the wasted years he is sitting on the bench, he is too much of a talent to let him just ride the pine it would not hurt him to learn a defensive position.

You can assume anything let's assume what if he beats out all the other QB's next year or if what some are saying is true that he gets some PT this year then he won't waste anything and he is 6' 3" and 180 pounds and you think he should go and play LB he is not big enough and he would have to add 50 pounds just to be average size for a LB. He has just a good a shot to be the QB as any of the other Guys none have any or much game playing time. And if he doesn't get at least backup then I would say try another position but at least give him a shot.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Bamabeachlivin

You can assume anything let's assume what if he beats out all the other QB's next year or if what some are saying is true that he gets some PT this year then he won't waste anything and he is 6' 3" and 180 pounds and you think he should go and play LB he is not big enough and he would have to add 50 pounds just to be average size for a LB. He has just a good a shot to be the QB as any of the other Guys none have any or much game playing time. And if he doesn't get at least backup then I would say try another position but at least give him a shot.

Star is 4th in depth at best. He will not see ANY playing time this season at QB. Special teams or wide reciever or the HB [That HB Option is in the playbook] would be more likely places for him. Lee the guy has no experience and we have several ahead of him unless there is a total meltdown there will be no playing time. Sorry but that is just the way it is.

[Tuck4Bama]

Just my opinion but as hevily as he was being recruited as a QB he must have had some assurance of playing the QB position for the Tide. I'm sure that he will be a red-shirt fresman and given time to learn the offensive system and if he performs well I feel he will see at least split playing time next year and possibly have the starting job in his sophomore year.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Tuck4Bama

Just my opinion but as hevily as he was being recruited as a QB he must have had some assurance of playing the QB position for the Tide. I'm sure that he will be a red-shirt fresman and given time to learn the offensive system and if he performs well I feel he will see at least split playing time next year and possibly have the starting job in his sophomore year.

Tuck that all depends on the offensive coordinator and QB coaches. Star has some ability or they would not have recruited him, the question is can he help the team now in a different position? Say a Safety or DB or Reciever or HB that is the real question. Saban has more holes to fill and needs atheletes Star is an athelete who can transition to another position while waiting for his chance at QB. This will be a real test of how much of a team player he really is and how he leads by example.

[crimsonlass]

Star Jackson! With a name like that, he was made to be famous!

[Stoney]

I guees Michael would have been too confusing eh?

[crimsonlass]

Can't wait to see this guy! I have been excited about seeing him ever since he committed to the Tide. I think he is gonna be FINE.