IOWA CITY, Iowa – Abdul Hodge returned to Iowa Football as its tight end coach in March. The Florida native has been working to re-establish his alma mater’s presence in his home state.

The Hawkeyes stopped in Kissimmee Friday, offering a pair of Osceola High cornerbacks scholarships. Bo Mascoe spoke with HF about his Iowa opportunity. Ja’Keem Jackson then shared his thoughts with us.

“The atmosphere seems nice there,” Jackson told HF. “I like playing for active fans. They also have a big platform to play on as well.”

Jackson (6-1, 175) is just getting to know Hodge and defensive coordinator Phil Parker. He feels a good vibe so far.

“Coach Hodge and coach Parker been wanting me. They seem like good dudes,” Jackson said.

Hodge and Parker see him as a good fit for the Hawkeyes.

“They like my size. I’m fast, and I have good technique,” Jackson said.

Iowa joined a number of other schools offering Jackson recently. Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, South Carolina, Arkansas, Vanderbilt and Purdue offered this month. Iowa State, Central Florida, Kentucky, Miami (FL), Penn State, Tennessee and others offered before that.

“So far, I have official visits set for Tennessee, UCF (June 3-5) and Iowa State (June 17-19),” he said.

Mascoe is scheduled to officially visit Iowa the weekend of June 24. Could Jackson join him?

“I’ll try to see if i can visit this summer, maybe,” Jackson said. “I want to learn more about the program, not just the football program but the academic program as well. I always wanted to be a vet, so I’ll look for a major close to being a veterinarian.”

Rivals ranks Jackson as a three-star prospect. On3 sees him as a four-star, the No. 25 cornerback in 2023 and the 47th best player overall in Florida for the cycle.