A two-way player at Utah, Jackson had more success as a part-time starter in the outfield than he did on the mound, where he posted a 6.53 ERA in brief action before having Tommy John surgery that cost him all of his 2017 junior season. The Dodgers still took him in the 12th round and signed him for an over-slot $247,500 that June, then delayed his pro debut until May 2018. When they finally turned him loose last season, he led the system in strikeout rate (11.1 per nine innings).
Jackson is extremely athletic and possesses a quick arm that delivers 92-96 mph fastballs that reach 98 and feature late finish. Despite his relative inexperience on the mound, he currently shows more feel for his solid changeup than he does for spinning the ball. His 78-82 mph curveball shows some signs of effectiveness and he's also working on a mid-80s slider/cutter.
Far from a finished product on the mound, Jackson doesn't always attack hitters or provide as many strikes as he should. He'll continue to get innings as a starter but could wind up as a reliever if he can't add enough polish. Coming up with a reliable breaking option will be key as he faces more advanced hitters.