A few years ago, Janerious Jackson left friends and familiar surroundings in St. Louis when his mother moved to Georgia. Despite the change, the Class of 2023 running back still considered himself a Midwesterner.

Monday, Iowa Football provided Jackson with an opportunity to come back to middle America. The Hawkeyes offered him a scholarship.

“It was nice for me because Iowa is close to my hometown,” he told HF. “Also, the program fits my style of play.”

Jackson is listed at 6-feet, 225 pounds. He’s a combination of power and speed with good vision and feel.

“(Iowa) said they like my size and that I can do it all – run the ball, catch the ball, block, everything,” he said.

The Mableton (GA) Pebblebrook High standout is verbally committed to Miami (OH). He also reports offers from Georgia Tech, Air Force, Army, Georgia State, Grambling State and others.

The Hawkeyes began recruiting him last week and offered this week, he said. He’s bonded with Iowa running backs coach Ladell Betts in a short time.

“He’s real with me. I don’t have to hide nothing from him. He’s always reaching out, checking up on me. I appreciate coach Betts,” Jackson said.

Jackson plans on officially visiting Iowa for its Black Friday game against Nebraska.

“I’m looking forward to finding out more and getting a feel for the environment,” he said.

247Sports ranks Jackson as a three-star prospect, the No. 135 running back nationally in the ’23 Class and the 170th best player overall in Georgia for the cycle. Rivals sees him as a two-star.