In Surprise Move, Utah’s Ja’Quinden Jackson Takes Field At Running Back

TEMPE, AZ-  Utah third string quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson is taking the field Saturday against ASU as a running back. The move was partially prompted by Chris Curry’s unfortunate season ending injury last weekend as well as Jackson’s desire to do whatever it takes to help the Utes win games in 2022.

Jackson has already been seeing playing time already this season on special teams where he’s made an impact, along with mop-up duty at quarterback against Southern Utah in week two. Jackson hinted at the move appropriately on September 22, sending Twitter into a buzz.

😁⏳…….

— Ja'Quinden Jackson (@leg3ndaryjaay) September 22, 2022

Utah’s coaching staff has constantly stated how athletically gifted and versatile Jackson is, and that he’s someone they wanted to see out on the field because he is a weapon. Jackson was in a heated battle this past spring and fall camps with Bryson Barnes for the backup quarterback job behind starter Cam Rising. Unfortunately for Jackson, despite taking leaps at the position and impressing, Barnes still had the edge and came out on top for number two.

Details Of Ja’Quinden Jackson’s Position Move For The Utah Utes

KSL Sports was alerted of the roster move earlier in the week with sources hinting to keep an eye on Jackson this weekend against the Sun Devils. One source said they still have full faith in Jackson’s quarterback abilities, but they have found a way to use him now. Another source thinks the position move may be a permanent one, noting Jackson is very coachable and willing to do whatever it takes to have success for himself and the team.

 

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A post shared by Ja’Quinden Jackson🐐 (@leg3ndaryjaay)

Ja’Quinden Jackson Carrying On ’22 Forever’

One of the sources also noted Jackson moving to running back is meaningful in that the late Ty Jordan was a big reason for Ja’Quinden Jackson transfered to Utah from Texas back in 2021. Jordan and Jackson never had a chance to play together, but Jackson moving to Jordan’s position (and hopefully having success) feels like an appropriate “happily ever after” of sorts despite a really tragic situation.

Hard to believe it’s been a year. Rest in love, ALowe ❤️ #22Forever pic.twitter.com/d9OK1assgO

— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) September 25, 2022

It should also be noted that Jackson’s first time out at running back came on the eve of the one year mark of cornerback Aaron Lowe’s death. Lowe and Jordan were high school friends. After Jordan’s shocking death, Lowe opted to wear his number (22) and was the first recipient of the Ty Jordan Memorial Scholarship. Jackson leaned on Lowe after Jordan’s death and they became fast friends.

Jackson is the second recipient of the Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe Memorial Scholarship. Proof there are no accidents in life.

 

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