Olympia's Ja'Cari Jackson commits to UCF football

After taking a visit to the UCF campus for a spring football practice, Olympia High’s Ja’Cari Jackson picked up an offer from the new Knights coaching staff and quickly made the decision to commit to his hometown Knights.

“I'm very excited I got the chance to commit to UCF because I can stay close to my family,” Jackson said. “One of the biggest reasons I chose UCF was the coaching staff. I really love the coaches here and feel like I have a good connection with (defensive backs) coach (Brandon) Harris and (defensive coordinator Alex) Grinch. They understand how they're going to use me in this defense; they’re going to put me in the best position for me to succeed so I can get to the next level.”

The 5-foot-11 do-it-all athlete with 4.55 40-yard dash speed has been recruited to UCF as a defensive back, but for Olympia, Jackson will play both DB and wide receiver. After transferring from Ocoee High, Jackson was a star for the Titans football team, racking up 1,245 all-purpose yards, catching two interceptions — one of which he returned for a 99-yard touchdown — breaking up four passes and making 26 tackles.

“(UCF’s) getting a young man who leaves it all on the field,” said Olympia football coach Travis Gabriel. “He plays for his family and teammates and will do whatever is needed to help the team be successful.”

Jackson and his Titans teammates will hit the field for the beginning of spring football at the end of this month, and if Knights fans are interested in getting a sneak peek of what he’s bringing to UCF in 2026, Olympia will play at Lake Minneola High for its spring game Friday, May 16.