Michigan WR Transfer Giles Jackson Chooses Washington
SEATTLE – When Washington travels to Ann Arbor this fall it will have a new twist.
On Sunday, former four-star recruit and Michigan sophomore wide receiver Giles Jackson announced he will transfer to UW, with a return to The Big House on tap.
The Huskies showed immediate interest in Jackson, a 5-foot-9 and 188-pound offensive weapon after he entered the transfer portal on March 29. After landing Texas Tech freshman Ja’Lynn Polk earlier this spring as another tall receiver, UW needed to land a more versatile receiver.
Jackson is that Swiss Army knife.
"Great get who will add speed options to offense and help replace and perhaps upgrade the losses. Return guy and catch and run but also wants to prove he’s a downfield threat," said Rivals National Columnist Mike Farrell.
In high school, Jackson was used as both a running back and wide receiver, in a similar mold to former Husky receiver Chico McClatcher and Alabama Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith.
UW head coach Jimmy Lake, offensive coordinator John Donovan and wide receiver coach Junior Adams had a Zoom call with Jackson on Monday where the coaching staff outline how they see him fitting in the offense.
“Basically, I can be used as a deep threat as an outside receiver. At Michigan I didn’t really get to play outside,” Jackson told TheDawgReport.com on Tuesday.
“I just didn’t need to. So just that outside piece was appealing to me a lot because I’ve never done it in college. I like that a lot. And then jet sweeps, stuff like that, plays to get the ball in my hands in space.”
At Freedom High School, Jackson showed just how impactful he can be once he has the pigskin.
He finished his prep career with 4,400 total offensive yards and 58 touchdowns combined rushing and receiving. It’s something about dissecting defenses that appeals to Jackson on the field, and in the classroom.
Jackson came to Michigan and started his academic career as a sports management major. It wasn’t exciting or interesting enough for the college freshman, so he went back to his roots.
Forensics.
“I took it in high school and I know Michigan didn’t have forensics. Washington doesn’t have it, either, but they have sociology,” Jackson said.
“I just felt like it was interesting, just learning about all the crime stuff. And then my teacher – I had a good teacher in high school – she was real cool. She made me like the class even more. So, she played a big part.”
The transfer also means Jackson will play on the same team with his cousin, Vincent Nunely, for the first time ever. The two played for TMP Elite, a 7-on-7 team in California, but they weren’t on the same team within the program.
Nunley, a three-star defensive back out of Freedom High School, the same as Jackson, signed with the Huskies as part of the 2021 recruiting class. Ever since he entered the portal Nunley had been edging Jackson towards the Pacific Northwest.
“When I’m back home I’m with him almost every day,” he said. “You would think he’s a quiet dude but he’s a comedian actually. He’s a quiet guy, but once he opens up he’s cool.”
Jackson chose UW over four other Pac-12 programs; California, Oregon, Oregon State and Washington State. He is expected to be immediately eligible for the 2021 season, which would mean Jackson could suit up to play against his former team week two.