Huntington’s Zah Jackson (5) carries the ball as George Washington’s Hunter Giacomo (1) defends during a high school football game Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Huntington.
Huntington’s Zah Jackson (5) carries the ball as George Washington’s Hunter Giacomo (1) defends during a high school football game Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Huntington.
HUNTINGTON — Marshall’s newest football transfer portal commitment is Huntington native Zah Jackson, winner of three consecutive Carl Lee Awards as the state’s best defensive back during his time with the Highlanders.
Jackson had been recruited to West Virginia by its former coach Neal Brown, committed there and went through spring ball with the Mountaineers. He initially chose WVU over North Carolina State, Mississippi State, Akron, Appalachian State, Bowling Green, James Madison, Kent State, Eastern Kentucky, Toledo and, of course, Marshall.
While the dismissal of Brown and hiring of Rich Rodriguez did not initially change Jackson’s outlook, Jackson entered the portal after spring ball with five years of eligibility remaining.
According to Jackson’s social media, Marshall was the first school to give him an offer, and he committed on Thursday.
Jackson is 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds and was one of the most dominant high school defensive backs the state has ever seen. After moving from cornerback in his senior year, he had 20 tackles as a safety for the Highlanders.
Lee himself called Jackson “a better player at his age than I was.†Lee was in the NFL for 11 seasons. Jackson was the Class AAA state championship game MVP in 2022.
Jackson joins a Thundering Herd group of defensive backs that built significant momentum in Marshall’s spring game.
Boogie Trotter had two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. Marvae Myers also brought down one.
The secondary combined for five interceptions on both teams, collecting a handful of pass breakups as well.
Jackson will likely enjoy the approach that Trotter said the Herd’s staff has been making on defense. Every defensive back is taught with a full skill set in mind — the ability to play at corner or safety regardless of personnel in depth situations.
“Coach [Tony] Gibson knows the details, inside and out, of the defense,†Trotter said. “That helped me learn faster, and it helped me be a better defensive back.
“We are taught to be versatile. We do everything in the defensive back room.â€
Gibson likely had a hand in Jackson’s offer from NC State. Cannon Lewis, who played at Cabell Midland with the Wolfpack and is now at Marshall himself, is another example of how much attention Gibson gives to in-state talent.
Lewis said Marshall’s defense is full of playmakers. Jackson should fit in well when his time comes.
“The way our defense is, we can be in so many different looks,†Lewis said. “We don’t just have a box linebacker. We have guys that can rush off the edge, drop into pass coverage, play man on No. 2. There’s so many versatile players. They can all make plays at any time.â€
Lewis figures to know more about Gibson’s coaching style than any other Herd players.
“The defense is his baby. If you mess it up, you’re going to hear about it,†Lewis said. “He holds the defense to a high standard. He knows what level that looks like and what we’re supposed to be playing at.
“You have 100% confidence in coach and scheme and what you’re doing. It makes it a lot easier to play.â€
Tyler Kennett is a sports writer for HD Media. Reach him at tkennett@hdmediallc.com. Follow @tylerkennett on X.
