Northwestern University Athletics

Photo by: Stephen J. Carrera
Justin Jackson Selected by Los Angeles Chargers in 2018 NFL Draft
4/28/2018 5:45:00 PM | Football
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern senior running back Justin Jackson, the program's all-time leading rusher, saw a lifelong dream come true when he was selected in the 2018 NFL Draft Saturday afternoon.
Jackson was selected with the 251st pick in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Chargers.

A four-year starter, Jackson finished his career third in Big Ten history and 10th in NCAA history with 5,440 career rushing yards. He became just the second Big Ten player ever to rush for 1,000 yards in four-straight seasons, capping his NU career with 1,311 yards and 11 touchdowns to lead the 'Cats to a 10-3 record and their second-straight bowl victory. He was named a consensus Second-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2017.
Jackson led the Big Ten with a career-high 1,524 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2016 to earn First-Team All-Big Ten honors. He also led the Big Ten with 117.2 rushing yards per game that season, ranking 13th in the country in total rushing yards and 16th in rushing yards per game.
After bursting on the scene with 1,187 yards and 10 touchdowns as a first year, Jackson earned All-Big Ten Second-Team honors as a sophomore with 1,418 yards as the 'Cats posted their first of two 10-win seasons during Jackson's career.
In addition to leaving NU as its all-time leading rusher, Jackson also ranks first in rushing attempts (1,142), rushing touchdowns (41), total touchdowns (42) and all-purpose yards (6,298). He ranks third in Big Ten history in rushing attempts and fifth in all-purpose yards.
Jackson was selected with the 251st pick in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Chargers.
A four-year starter, Jackson finished his career third in Big Ten history and 10th in NCAA history with 5,440 career rushing yards. He became just the second Big Ten player ever to rush for 1,000 yards in four-straight seasons, capping his NU career with 1,311 yards and 11 touchdowns to lead the 'Cats to a 10-3 record and their second-straight bowl victory. He was named a consensus Second-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2017.
Jackson led the Big Ten with a career-high 1,524 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2016 to earn First-Team All-Big Ten honors. He also led the Big Ten with 117.2 rushing yards per game that season, ranking 13th in the country in total rushing yards and 16th in rushing yards per game.
After bursting on the scene with 1,187 yards and 10 touchdowns as a first year, Jackson earned All-Big Ten Second-Team honors as a sophomore with 1,418 yards as the 'Cats posted their first of two 10-win seasons during Jackson's career.
In addition to leaving NU as its all-time leading rusher, Jackson also ranks first in rushing attempts (1,142), rushing touchdowns (41), total touchdowns (42) and all-purpose yards (6,298). He ranks third in Big Ten history in rushing attempts and fifth in all-purpose yards.
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