2022 five-star CB Domani Jackson chooses USC over Michigan, others

One of the top players in the country, and one of Michigan’s top targets in the entire 2022 class, just went off the board. Five-star cornerback Domani Jackson just committed to USC.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder from Santa Ana, California picked USC over the rest of his top six list, which included the Wolverines, Ohio State, Clemson, Arizona State and Oklahoma.

Jackson visited Michigan for the first time back in November. He was able to see Ann Arbor up close with another top cornerback in the 2022 class, in-state five-star Will Johnson. Despite being a “package deal,” it seems Johnson is in no rush to make his decision.

Jackson is an elite talent, clocking in at 4.51 on his 40-yard dash and 4.25 in his shuttle time at the 2019 Opening Regional. Brandon Huffman of 247Sports compares Jackson to current New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore:

“Athletic, good-sized cornerback with speed (4.5 forty as a freshman), quickness and explosiveness. Still relatively new to the position, making the transition from receiver, but showed elite level coverage ability, ball skills, play diagnosis and closing speed. Plays with physicality, can bump and press but also play off and defend the pass. Smooth backpedal and quick hips make him a natural at cornerback. Projects as an immediate Power 5 contributor and potential NFL First Round Pick.

Even though he is now verbally committed to USC, the Wolverines are not going to give up recruiting him just yet. Sam Webb over at The Michigan Insider ($) wrote Friday evening that new co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach Maurice Linguist spoke with Jackson and his father on Wednesday night. Linguist likely knew what Jackson’s commitment decision was going to be when he made that call, so don’t expect Michigan to pull out of this race just yet.

I think two things will play a big factor for the Wolverines down the road for Jackson. The first thing is winning/having the corners look good under Linguist. We obviously won’t see how that goes until September. But the second factor, which could happen a lot sooner than September, is Johnson’s decision. If Michigan can get Johnson to commit, I believe that would go a long way in a potential flip for Jackson. Keep your fingers crossed, folks.

Jackson is the No. 1 cornerback, No. 1 player in California and No. 3 overall player in the 2022 class, according to 247Sports’ composite.