This weekend’s prep matchup between SoCal powerhouses Mater Dei and St. John Bosco featured an abundance of DI talent on the field. Unfortunately, one of its headlining stars was forced to watch from the sidelines.

Five-star 2022 cornerback Domani Jackson has been dealing with patellar tendonitis since 2017. Earlier this year, Jackson intercepted a pass and went down during the return. After years of dealing with the injury, it was time for Jackson to get surgery.

“The first four days were awful,” Jackson said. “I couldn’t get out of my bed or anything like that. But eventually, I went to the doctor, and he started working on it. I started physical therapy that same day. It’s going well so far.”

On the recruiting front, Jackson, who is slated to recover in 4-6 months, has been committed to USC since January. Of course, the Trojans recently fired head coach Clay Helton, causing a complete lack of stability in Los Angeles.

While Jackson said he’s "100 percent" solid, his actions have spoken louder than his words. The No. 9 overall recruit this cycle made an official visit to Michigan last month for the game against Washington and admitted that U-M is still very much in the picture.

“The atmosphere was unbelievable,” Jackson said of The Big House. “It was everything I expected. The maize out was unbelievable. It was a great game. To keep it real, it really got me thinking. I wouldn’t count Michigan out. I’ll say that.”

Jackson’s parents, who are originally from Ohio, also enjoyed the trip.

“My mom grew up an Ohio State fan and hated Michigan,” Jackson said. “As soon as we got there, she fell in love with Michigan. It’s always a plus when your mom falls in love with a school. My dad [who grew up a Michigan fan] was like a little kid in a candy store. He was all smiles.”

Aside from taking in a dominant victory, Jackson had a chance to reconnect with close friend and fellow five-star defensive back Will Johnson, the leader of Michigan’s 2022 recruiting class.

The day after the game, Jackson and Johnson walked around in The Big House and discussed the potential of playing together in Ann Arbor. It was a special moment between elite prospects that made visits together and played on the same 7-on-7 team this offseason.

“Both of us imagined ourselves being there and balling out together,” Jackson said. “We can be the best duo in the country. It was more of like ‘we can really do this.’ We text 24/7 all day. He never leaves me alone. He always says Go Blue. We are straight boys. He’s like a real-life friend.”

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and the rest of the staff have also been recruiting Jackson non-stop — the Wolverines are making him their top overall priority.

“Courtney [Morgan] always hits me up,” Jackson said. “He’s a big factor. He’s making a big push for me. Coach Harbaugh is a funny man. I love Coach Harbaugh. We have deep 30-minute conversations about life. Coach Clink [cornerbacks coach Steve Clinkscale] is a great coach. We text almost every day.”

Michigan is certainly making feel Jackson like a wanted man. And the Wolverines are also impressing him with their play on the field.

“Last time I was out there, they were awful,” Jackson said with a laugh. “But the new defensive staff came in and things are different. [Cornerback] Vincent Gray is someone I look up to, and I see how he’s changed. He’s been balling. Michigan had a couple of bad years, but they’re turning it around. It’s Michigan.”

Jackson added that he’s been especially impressed with defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and his new scheme.

“They are more of a physical team, which I love,” Jackson said. “I think I could really help them out a lot, especially with Will. Maybe dreams will come true. I feel like Will and I could be a big factor in the new defense.”

So is there anything else Michigan can do to win him over?

“Not really,” Jackson said. “We just have to wait to see how the season goes. They are doing great right now. I just need time. That’s it. Just time.”

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