Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) returns a punt for a 79-yard touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium. Photo Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Top-ranked Alabama came away with an impressive 33-14 victory over No. 6 Texas A&M on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Ala., but lost a key player in the process.
Starting safety Eddie Jackson sustained a fractured left leg and will miss the remainder of the season, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said after the game.
The injury occurred in the fourth quarter after Jackson was tackled on a 17-yard punt return. He was helped off the field and then carted to the locker room.
The injury ends Jackson’s college career. He came back to school this season rather than enter the draft.
“I’m sick for him and his family,” Saban said.
Jackson’s senior season ends with 24 tackles, one interception and three touchdowns (two punt returns, one interception return). He had three tackles against Texas A&M in what proved to be his final game for Alabama.
NFLDraftScout.com projects Jackson as a first- or second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and ranks him as the No. 3 strong safety.
Jackson tied for the SEC lead in interceptions last season with six after he moved from cornerback to safety for the start of his junior season. He was named second-team All-American and first-team All-Southeastern Conference.
Before Jackson’s sophomore season in 2014, he tore an ACL in April but returned for the start of the season that fall. His career totals include 126 tackles, 10 interceptions, three fumble recoveries and five touchdowns.
