ORLANDO, Fla. — Summer offseason is all about self improvement for athletes, and there’s no one whose stock has risen more over the past couple of months than rising senior quarterback Trever Jackson.

“It’s surreal. I didn’t think it was gonna blow up this big. I didn’t think it was gonna happen this fast, but it’s been a blessing,” said Jackson.

The quarterback really began turning heads when he got invited to one of the premier quarterback competitions in the country with Elite 11: first in the regional camps and then part of a 20 player pool selected for the national camp. 

“Elite 11 was a great experience, great atmosphere in California. it was my first time going there by the way it was amazing. The coaches were amazing, they had ambassadors, those were kids from college who came back, they taught me a lot of stuff that I can take with me and all the other 20 players,” said Jackson. "They were just amazing, great guys. We’re still in contact today so it was a great experience."

For reference, 12 of the last 13 quarterbacks who won the Heisman Trophy were part of Elite 11 camps, so the invitation indicates an immense potential for athletes like Jackson. As one of the few uncommitted quarterbacks at Elite 11, Jackson came in with something to prove. 

“The first day was just me trying to stay focused me coming in, I was one of the underdogs really, so I really came in with that chip on my shoulder to compete and try to win it and I did,” said Jackson.

The four-star quarterback left Los Angeles with a lot more eyes on him and some new offers from schools like UCLA and Oklahoma. Trever, who also has offers from schools like Maryland and Ole Miss, is hoping to narrow down a top five and make his commitment before the high school season begins in August.

After Elite 11, Trever set out for his next competition a little closer to home with the annual Orlando Quarterback Shootout.

“Orlando QB shootout that was really special for me,” said Jackson. “I started the shootout, the camp has always been a thing around Central Florida and i started it when i was 8 years old. So then, 8 years later, I came back in 2023. I won that.”

Jackson put the rest of Central Florida on notice by coming in first place at the shootout, especially because he’ll be suiting up for Jones High School this year. He spent the previous years at West Orange High School.

“Just the atmosphere and the fans around it, the community around it, they love Jones football,” said Jackson. “The coaches are really attuned to helping the young guys and making sure they develop cause you’re only as strong as your weakest link.”

Jones is a great fit for a student athlete like Trever, who also has his mom close by as a theater teacher at the high school. The transition senior year could be a challenge for some, but with family around and a lot of friends on the team, Trever feels like it’s been seamless. 

“Growing up in Orlando, Central Florida everybody is around the people since we were kids so some of these kids I’ve known since I was little league cause we all played each other, it really wasn’t that bad of a switch cause I knew half the kids on the team but its been a great experience,” said Jackson. “They’ve accepted me as their own and its just been really fun.”

Being ‘the new guy’ at the same time of taking command as Jones’ new quarterback has come naturally, and Trever is ready to continue turning those heads.

“I think my strength would be my leadership skills and just my winning ability. I can do it both with my arm and my legs to get the job done,” said Jackson. “We’ve got a tough schedule this year, if you’re not on top of what you’re on you might get put down, just competing and being ready to play.”