Quarterback Sam Jackson V made a move from Cal after a single season, but there’s a possibility that Cal might encounter him in the upcoming season as he has officially joined Auburn, as indicated by the Tigers’ social media announcement on Wednesday. However, it’s worth noting that he is likely to assume a different position on the field.
During the past season, Jackson faced off against Auburn, and the tables might turn next season as Auburn is set to host Cal in the second game on September 7. In the previous encounter, Ben Finley was the starting quarterback for Cal in the game against Auburn in Berkeley. Although Jackson replaced him and demonstrated better productivity than Finley, the Bears still suffered a 14-10 defeat. Jackson’s performance in that game included going 14-for-27 for 129 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.
Back in his high school days at Naperville Central High School in the Chicago suburbs, Jackson played various positions, including a switch from quarterback to receiver due to the presence of current Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne at Naperville Central. Now, Jackson is set to reunite with Thorne, his former high school teammate, forming a passing combination. As of now, it seems Thorne will continue as Auburn’s quarterback in the upcoming season.
Thorne’s performance against Cal in the past season included a 9-for-14 record for 94 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. However, he showed improvement throughout the season, and Auburn, with a 6-6 record, still has a bowl game ahead.
In the early part of the season, Jackson served as Cal’s starting quarterback, contributing to the team’s season-opening win over North Texas. He started three games before redshirt freshman Fernando Mendoza took over in the sixth game. Jackson completed 52.6% of his passes for the season, throwing five touchdowns with two interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 59 yards, and both he and Jaydn Ott were regarded as the fastest players on the Cal team.
Jackson initially began his college career at TCU, where he played as a quarterback for two seasons, though he experienced limited playing time.
