Amari Jackson's chemistry with Aazaar Abdul-Rahim loomed large in transfer to Maryland

Ahmed Ghafir
12 hours ago
2 min read

Maryland has the pleasure of leaning on stability at the top of the cornerback room again after Dontay Joyner and Jamare Glasker finalized their decision to close out their college careers in College Park in 2026, but Maryland was also able to add a big piece to the top of the unit after Boston College transfer Amari Jackson announced his transfer back in January.

The Georgia native became an impact piece as a true freshman for the Eagles after starting in five games and appearing in five during 2022, setting him up to become a full time starter over the last three seasons where he registered 50 total tackles, a pair of interceptions, ten fumble recoveries and one pick six. But he also battled injuries after tearing his ACL midway through the 2024 season then appearing in only four games in 2025, preserving one more year of eligibility.

Jackson announced his entry in the transfer portal on January 3 before finalizing his commitment to Maryland less than one week later, yet there was a reason why Maryland was able to get the pursuit wrapped up so quickly: Aazaar Abdul-Rahim.

Maryland's current co-defensive coordinator recruited the former three-star prospect out of Eagle's Landing (Ga.) before spending two seasons being coached by him with the Eagles. While the confidence on the field is clear, the connection between the two mattered to Jackson.

"It was important. That's why I knew I'd be good because I was with him for a couple of years at Boston College, so I knew I'd be good here," Jackson told IBG at the Stefon Diggs Camp at SECU Stadium.

"I can connect with him on a different level from other coaches. I said it before, he's like family. I can talk to him about anything. He knows how to coach me. He knows me."

Jackson was among the early batch of transfer portal additions to arrive in College Park in the spring where picked up right where he left off, entrenching himself as a starter alongside Joyner and Glasker.

"The transition was smooth, everything is great. I've been loving it. Amazing. Glad I made the decision."

The portal corner also heads to Maryland as one of three NFL prospects at the position with Jackson ranked ahead of both Joyner and Glasker in Phil Steele's preseason draft rankings, but one season after the defense tied Indiana for the conference lead and ranked sixth nationally with 19 interceptions, Jackson is looking to add to the secondary's production.

"We're all trying to be the best. In the weight room, football field. We all hold each other to a standard because know what it takes."

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