Oregon defensive back Khyree Jackson announced his intent to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday evening. Jackson will sit out of the Ducks’ Fiesta Bowl matchup with No. 23 Liberty on New Year’s Day. The cornerback is ranked 113th in the pre-draft standings according to CBS’ Oct. 31 rankings.
He becomes the first Oregon player to declare for the draft after its loss in the Pac-12 Championship game. Jackson registered 34 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions in 2023, including one pick in last Friday’s showpiece event. He released the following statement on social media.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for guiding me every step of the way and for blessing me with opportunities beyond my wildest dreams. To my mom and pops, thank you for guiding me along the way. I am forever grateful for your love and sacrifice. I wouldn’t be here without you.”
“To my friends and family, thank you for the unconditional support. Your belief in me has been a constant source of inspiration. My journey from junior college to Alabama and ending in Oregon has been remarkable. I am grateful for my time at Alabama and the role it played in the development of me as a man. At Oregon, Coach Lanning, Coach Tosh, and Coach Meat, your guidance and mentorship has been invaluable, and I will forever cherish the experiences and lessons learned under your leadership. To my Oregon teammates, I want to express my deep appreciation for welcoming me here with open arms. I am proud to be a part of this family.”
“From being a ‘no stars,’ JUCO kid to playing on the big stage, I realized it’s not about anybody else. It’s Me vs. Me. I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my journey. I would like to announce that I am foregoing my remaining eligibility and entering the 2024 Draft! Jeremiah 29:11. Thank you, Khyree Jackson.”
Several players are still expected to declare for the draft, but head coach Dan Lanning has stated that it’s up to the individual to announce whether they’ll appear in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1.
