University of Houston Athletics
What They're Saying about Jackson
4/29/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
HOUSTON â€" Houston's William Jackson III became the 13th member of the #HTownTakeover to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night when the Cincinnati Bengals selected the cornerback 24th overall.
Find out what they are saying about Jackson...
"He'll be one of the best athletes we've had here at that position," Bengals head coach Lewis said. "He fits what our defense does." - Read More
The Bengals believe the best corners are found in the first round, and Marvin Lewis has proven he's not afraid to stack that room with first-rounders. - Read More
"He has exceptional speed," Bengals defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle said. "But his ability to track the ball really impressed us. He's not just a fast guy." - Read More
The Cincinnati Bengals will upgrade their secondary. William Jackson III was one of the guys on our top five draft board. - Read More
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis doesn't anticipate it will take William Jackson too long before getting onto the field. - Read More
At 9:47 p.m., Jackson finally received the phone call that will change his life. - Read More
If you're one who likes Pro Football Focus' system, then Jackson might be the best corner in the draft - Read More
Whatever the Cincinnati Bengals consider their selection of cornerback William Jackson III at No. 24 overall Thursday night, the pick has clearly sent reverberations throughout the always contentious AFC North. - Read More
I think this is a great pick for the Bengals at #24. They get a corner who some had rated the best "pure" corner in the draft. - Read More
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Jackson is the seventh Houston player to be drafted by the Bengals and the third to be drafted by the franchise in the first round joining quarterback David Klingler (1992) and defensive tackle Wilson Whitley (1977) as the team's first selection.
| Year | Player, Position | Round | Overall Selection |
| 2016 | William Jackson III, DB | 1st | 24th |
| 1992 | David Klingler, QB | 1st | 6th |
| 1992 | Ostell Miles, RB | 9th | 226th |
| 1978 | Don Bass, TE | 3rd | 83rd |
| 1977 | Wilson Whitley, DT | 1st | 8th |
| 1969 | Royce Berry, DE | 7th | 161st |
| 1968 | Warren McVea, RB | 4th | 109th |
Jackson also became the fifth cornerback coached by Jason Washington to enter the NFL following in the footsteps of Craig Mager, Darryl Morris, Phillip Gaines and Bryce Callahan from Washington's stops at Texas State and Rice.
Jackson is the second Houston player in the last four years to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, joining cornerback D.J. Hayden who was selected 12th overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Jackson started 28 games in his three seasons with the Houston program, highlighted by the 2015 season when he set the Houston single-season record and led the nation with 23 pass breakups. Jackson also led the nation in passes defended with 28, finishing 20th nationally with five interceptions.
He finished his career third on the UH career pass breakups chart with 40 despite only playing three seasons and was named the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Defensive MVP after recording a career-high 10 tackles, two interceptions and two pass breakups in Houston's win over Florida State. Jackson also set the Houston single game record with seven pass breakups in the American Athletic Conference Championship game.
The 2016 NFL Draft resumes Friday at 6 p.m. CT with the second and third round with the final four rounds kicking off Saturday at 11 a.m. CT.
