
Brendan Jackson stands on the sideline during a 2024 game.
Two Trojans participated in the tenth annual Tropical Bowl this season, senior linebacker Brendan Jackson and wideout Landon Parker. The schedule for the postseason evaluation program included two practices and a full scrimmage allowing several scouts to see Troy’s two potential draftees.
The annual Tropical Bowl was held in Orlando on January 19. The game is a way for under-the-radar college athletes to get scouted by all NFL teams for a chance to get drafted or signed.
Jackson caught the attention of many while in Orlando, which is not a surprise when looking at his stats this past season. The linebacker had 77 total tackles, 38 of which were solo tackles, while also tallying two sacks.
It isn’t Jackson’s ability to tackle that makes him really stand out, but rather his ability to diagnose plays and disrupt the offense.
Jackson’s work ethic is like no other. Having started in Division II and working his way all the way up to a Third Team All-Sun Belt selection, Brendan is no stranger to improvement.
CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt listed Brendan as one of the top linebacker standouts in the Tropical Bowl.
“Jackson was laying the lumber in the run game,” Hunt said in his article on CBS Sports. “The pads were popping when he was in during 9-on-7 drills.
“I also thought he consistently flowed to the ball rather well in the run game.”
Landon Parker also starred in the Tropical Bowl and has already met with the New England Patriots at the game. The senior played in the absence of Chris Lewis last season, making the most of the opportunity.
Parker had 27 catches for 350 yards while also snagging key catches in big moments during the season.
The Miami Dolphins and New York Jets also showed interest in the wideout in Orlando, Florida.
Jackson and Parker look to join the current Trojans succeeding in the NFL. Javon Solomon and Kimani Vidal found themselves in the playoffs with the Bills and Chargers, while Dell Pettus was named the highest graded rookie safety in the NFL. The two seniors will hope to hear their name called during the NFL draft on April 24-26.
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