Former Central Valley High School multi-sport athlete Phoenix Jackson will play football at the college level.

The 2021 Central Catholic High School grad committed to Fresno State on April 27.

“Super BLESSED and EXCITED for the next chapter in my life!!!” Jackson wrote in a post on Twitter. “Thank you to all the coaches who have believed in me and my family for always supporting me (#Bulldogbred).”

Jackson, a 6-foot-tall 219-pound linebacker, signed with Fresno State as a preferred walk-on player.

He was also 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. 

“My expectations this first year is really to just learn as much as I can and just develop as a student-athlete,” he added.

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.

“I know what I wanted to do wasn’t average so I had to do what I had to do and transferring to Central Catholic was one of the best decisions my family and I could have made,” he said.

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. 

“Getting an opportunity to play at the next level is just a huge blessing and I’m more than grateful for my coaches and family support,” he said. “I attribute my success to my mom, dad, brother and trainer.”

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