Phoenix Jackson joined the Fresno State football program as a preferred walk-on player in 2021.

The former Central Valley High School multi-sport athlete’s dedication and effort didn’t go unnoticed the past two seasons.

Jeff Tedford, head coach of the Bulldogs, awarded Jackson a full scholarship for the 2023-24 school year in May.

“It was the best day ever,” said Jackson, a 6-foot-tall 219-pound sophomore linebacker. “It was a dream come true. I earned it. Nothing was given to me.”

“It was for my family,” he added. “They paid for my school the first couple years. I can help my parents out by not being a bill.”

Jackson climbed to No. 2 on the depth chart at middle linebacker heading into the 2023 season.

He will also be a member of the Bulldogs’ special teams kickoff coverage units for the second year in a row.

“All my doubts have gone out the window,” Jackson said. “My confidence has gone up because of my coaches and teammates. They’ve helped me take my game to the next level. I’m here for a reason. I have a bigger role this year. It’s an opportunity I earned. It’s a big blessing. I’m excited. 

“I’m a well-rounded player who has so much more room to grow,” he added. “If I keep taking the coaching I’m getting, I’ll become the player I want to be.”

Jackson trained Monday through Friday in Fresno and on Saturdays in Stockton during the offseason.

“Phoenix had a phenomenal summer,” Bulldogs’ Director of Sports Performance Andy Ward said. “He went from 17% to 10% body fat, a huge transition, and he’s still staying in that 220 to 225 pound range. His body weight didn’t go down with that, and his peak power has gone up tremendously. All of his numbers went up-squat, bench, all of that stuff. He absolutely crushed it. He dominated it.”

Jackson has worked with former Fresno State cornerback Dante Marsh for the past six years.

Marsh currently trains athletes at The Factory Institute of Training in Stockton.

“I’ve been training with him since I was a sophomore in high school,” Jackson said. “I wouldn’t be the football player and person I am without him. He’s the best trainer in the world.”

Jackson appeared in all 14 of Fresno State’s games as redshirt freshman last fall.

He was a member of the Bulldogs’ special teams kickoff coverage units.

He also logged playing time at linebacker.

Jackson totaled 18 tackles, including a career-high four against Boise State and Hawai’i.

“I didn’t play as well as I thought I could play,” he said. “I wasn’t playing as confident as I should have. It was a big learning experience.”

Jackson did not see game action in 2021.

He was a scout-team player.

“I really never sit back and think about it,” Jackson said while talking about beating the odds by becoming an NCAA Division-I student-athlete. “It’s a blessing. Not everybody can do it. I am surprised where I’m at. I didn’t think I was capable of playing with the guys I’m playing with. It’s dope being able to learn from them.”

A sociology major, Jackson was named to the Fall 2022 Academic All-Mountain West Team.

“The hardest part is time management,” he said. “If you stay on top of things, you won’t feel too overwhelmed.”

Prior to committing to Fresno State, Jackson was recruited by Arizona State, Sacramento State, Montana State, Weber State, Northern Arizona University and Cal Poly.

“I decided to go to Fresno State and sign with them because my trainer (Dante Marsh) went there, it is close to home and the coaches really want the best for me,” Jackson said. 

An honor-roll student at Mae Hensley Jr. High in Ceres, Jackson attended Central Valley High School for one year prior to transferring to Central Catholic.

Jackson starred at quarterback and defensive back while leading Central Valley’s freshman football team to a 7-2-1 overall record and share of the Western Athletic Conference title (3-1) during the 2017-18 school year. He was a standout guard on the Hawks’ junior-varsity boys basketball team.

Jackson totaled 54 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one sack in 13 career games with Central Catholic’s varsity football team.

He led the Raiders in tackling and receiving senior year.

Jackson had 35 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one interception and one pass deflection at linebacker as Central Catholic compiled a 3-2 record during its 2020-21 COVID-shortened season. He earned all-conference honors for his outstanding play on defense.

Jackson also caught 19 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns. 

Jackson played youth football for the Ceres Seahawks and recreational and all-star baseball for CYB.