Keenan Jackson Embraces Growth, Leadership, and Versatility in Year Two with NC State

By the time NC State wide receiver Keenan Jackson steps onto the field this fall, he’ll be a noticeably different player than the one who wrapped up his freshman season last year. And it’s not just the 10 extra pounds of muscle he’s carrying — though that will certainly help him fight off defenders and make contested catches.

The biggest difference, he says, is what can’t be seen on the stat sheet or a weigh-in sheet.

“Definitely the biggest growth has been mentally,” Jackson said. “Just maturity. Just growing up, learning how to be a college football player, trying to carry myself as a pro, and just learning how to have a routine and show up to work every day.”

That maturity didn’t happen in a vacuum. Jackson is quick to acknowledge how much the support system he has in place has helped him transition to the demands of college football.

“Anybody I can talk to just give me a piece of advice, I’m always grateful for that,” he said. “I try to soak up everything I can and just learn something from every conversation I have, whether it’s someone who’s played a level I want to get to or just someone on the street.”

If his first camp a year ago was about settling in at NC State, this one has been about building bonds and sharpening the collective edge of the Wolfpack offense. Jackson says the atmosphere around the team feels tighter, more focused.

“I feel like we’re closer as a group,” he said. “We’re doing a better job competing and just meshing as a team. I feel like we’re spending more time in the building. I like our schedule a lot better this year, so guys are spending a lot of time in the team room or the lounge, just kicking it.”

A big part of that cohesion comes from quarterback CJ Bailey, the tone-setter for the offense, and Jackson has noticed his transformation from last season to now.

“It’s leadership for sure,” Jackson said of Bailey. “He’s the one getting us going and setting the huddle. He’s not letting guys lazy jog into the huddle. It’s, ‘Come on, let’s get to it.’ And then on the field, his placement, accuracy — you see him growing every single day. I’m excited to play with him this year.”

That same standard is on display when mistakes happen. Jackson recalled one example that stuck with him.

“Yesterday we had a guy drop a ball for a touchdown, and [CJ] came to him and just really refocused him in,” Jackson said. “Obviously, he got chewed out by a coach, but CJ just said, ‘All right man, are you back? That play is over but I need you to make drives, so let’s get to work.’”

For Jackson, the work includes expanding his own versatility. He wants to be just as comfortable lining up inside as outside, giving the Wolfpack more flexibility with his position group.

“Versatility is a great trait to have about yourself,” he said. “Just trying to grow in that for sure.”

Some of that growth happens during intense practice reps against NC State’s defensive backs. Jackson points to veteran cornerback Devon Marshall as one of his favorite — and toughest — matchups.

“Devon’s a great, great corner.  We talk back and forth a lot on the field, but our lockers are right across from each other, so we can say whatever, compete every day, and then come back in and laugh about it,” Jackson said. “He’s improved the most as a leader — just being that dude in that room. Every time I’m lined up against him, he’s going to give me a good rep, never slacks.”

Those battles are a far cry from his “welcome to college football” moment last year against Louisiana Tech, when an unsuspecting defensive back read his route and put him on the turf.

“That taught me this is not high school,” Jackson said. “I’ve got to be learning from everybody on the field.”

With that being said, Jackson knows he is in a better place heading into 2025, which adds up to a player who’s more confident, more prepared, and more eager than ever to make an impact. 

“I’m just trying to carry myself like a pro,” he said. “Show up every day, compete, and keep growing — physically, mentally, and with my teammates. That’s what it’s about.”