Arkansas Razorback legacy Jackson Daily chooses Missouri Tigers on National Signing Day

Daily's grandfather, dad and uncle played football at Arkansas

ALMA — Jackson Daily knew his opportunity and took it as he agreed to be a preferred walk-on at Missouri Wedmesday during a ceremony at the Alma High School. 

Jackson attended a camp at Missouri last summer, and at the conclusion, he was given the opportunity to attend Missouri, where he will line up as linebacker, a position he hasn’t had much time playing the past two seasons. 

“The University of Missouri saw a tremendous athlete,” said Alma head coach Rusty Bush. “When you watch him run and on the field, you see that he will make smart decisions and fight. They found a place for him. He’s a kid who excels in the classroom, and they know they can make a great linebacker out of him.”

Jackson, who carries over a 4.0 weighted GPA, is the son of former Alma great Adam Daily and the grandson of Marvin Daily.

Marvin rushed for 1,306 yards and had 22 touchdowns for the Airedales in 1970. He finished with 43 career touchdowns (1968-1970). Adam and Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz were instrumental in Alma’s 1997 state title win when Adam had 17 touchdowns that season, kicked five field goals, and finished with 146 tackles.

Both Marvin and Adam played for the University of Arkansas. And if that wasn’t enough, Jackson’s uncle Clarke Moore of Van Buren was also a Razorback.

However, there never was a doubt in Jackson’s mind… he was going to Mizzou.

“Ever since I’ve been in high school, Arkansas hasn’t been that good, and I just fell in love with Missouri,” said Jackson. “So [the legacy] didn’t affect me much.”

Jackson had offers from Arkansas Tech and Missouri Southern.

Jackson helped lead Alma back to the playoffs after a four-year drought. He was installed as the quarterback last spring, and in 10 games (Dardanelle forfeited the Oct. 27 contest), he had 1,308 yards passing with 10 touchdowns. He finished with 818 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns.

Jackson’s best game of the season was against eventual 5A-West champion Farmington for an Alma record 320 rushing yards and five touchdowns, including a 90-yard TD run.

“At [the college] level, everybody is athletic. What Jackson has is his work ethic,” said Payton Morris, Alma’s quarterback coach. “There’s a lot of young men signing today, and Jackson is one of the lucky ones. We’re very happy for him, but the extra things he’s done have set him apart, and he will continue to do that.”

During his junior year, Jackson played tight end and finished with 295 yards, 28 catches, and four touchdowns. He was also credited with eight pancake blocks.

--George Mitchell I @SBLiveArk