Maryland Commit William Jackson Powers Evans’ Offense as Trojans Chase a Deep Playoff Run
ORLANDO, FL — Sometimes, the difference between being a good football team and becoming a championship contender comes down to finding the right player at the right position.
For the Evans Trojans, Class of 2027 quarterback and Maryland commit William Jackson is making a strong case that he could be that missing piece.
Arriving from Camden County High School in Georgia, Jackson brought experience, a Power Four-caliber physical profile, and high expectations to an Evans program looking to build on its recent success. Alongside offensive coordinator Grant Alford, who also made the move from Camden County, Jackson entered a new environment with the challenge of building chemistry with an unfamiliar group of teammates.
Nine games later, the results speak for themselves.
The Trojans sit at 6-3, riding a four-game winning streak, with all three losses coming by a combined 14 points. A few plays in the opposite direction, and Evans could easily be having a conversation about an undefeated season.
More importantly, Jackson has helped guide the Trojans to their first district championship since 2012, giving the program another opportunity to make noise in the postseason.
From Georgia to Evans: Building Chemistry and Confidence
Transferring into a new program is never as simple as putting on a different jersey, especially at the quarterback position.
There is a new offensive system to execute, receivers to develop timing with, and an entire locker room to build trust with. For Jackson, the transition came with the added responsibility of leading an Evans offense filled with playmakers.
Having Alford alongside him provided familiarity, but establishing chemistry with his new receivers remained essential.
As the season progressed, Jackson began finding his rhythm, developing a stronger connection with his targets and helping the Trojans become one of Central Florida’s more dangerous offensive teams.
His growth has shown not only in the passing numbers but also in the way Evans has found its offensive identity heading into November.
The Numbers: One of Florida’s Most Productive Quarterbacks
According to MaxPreps, Jackson has put together an impressive senior campaign, establishing himself among the state’s passing leaders.
Through nine games, the 6-foot-4 quarterback has recorded 2,512 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, and a 68.4% completion rate, averaging 279.1 passing yards per game.
Those numbers currently rank Jackson No. 6 in Florida in passing yards and No. 1 in Class 5A.
He has also contributed 193 rushing yards and three additional touchdowns on the ground, giving him more than 2,700 yards of total offense.
One of his signature performances came against Wekiva, where he threw six touchdown passes in a commanding 59-7 victory. It was another example of the explosive offensive production Jackson has helped bring to the Trojans.
For a quarterback adjusting to a new program, those numbers represent an impressive season of production and continued development.
Jackson and Dillard: Evans’ Dangerous One-Two Punch
One of the biggest stories surrounding the Evans offense this season has been the emergence of Jackson’s connection with junior wide receiver Brian Dillard.
Dillard, who transferred from The First Academy, entered his first full season focusing on the wide receiver position and has quickly established himself as one of the Trojans’ most dangerous offensive weapons.
Together, Jackson and Dillard have developed into a one-two punch capable of changing a game with a single play.
Dillard’s ability to create separation, make explosive plays after the catch, and turn limited opportunities into touchdowns has made him a valuable weapon for Jackson.
During the Trojans’ victory over Wekiva, Dillard accounted for two of Jackson’s six touchdown passes, highlighting the connection the two have developed.
But what makes Jackson’s season even more impressive is that Evans’ passing attack extends beyond one receiver.
With multiple talented targets at his disposal, Jackson has been able to spread the football around, forcing defenses to account for more than one playmaker.
That balance will be especially important as the Trojans prepare for playoff competition.
A Maryland Commit With a Power Four Future
At approximately 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Jackson possesses the size and physical presence that college programs look for at the quarterback position.
His production only strengthens his recruiting profile.
The three-star prospect committed to Maryland in May 2026 and holds a reported 18 scholarship offers, including opportunities from Arkansas, South Carolina, Duke, Virginia Tech, and other programs.
However, Maryland’s recent coaching change adds another storyline to Jackson’s recruitment.
With head coach Mike Locksley and the university parting ways on October 21, the Terrapins are entering a transition period. Jackson remains listed as a Maryland commit, but coaching changes can naturally create uncertainty as prospects evaluate their future.
Whether that leads to additional recruiting conversations or a renewed commitment to Maryland’s future remains to be seen.
What is clear is that Jackson’s senior-season performance has given college programs plenty to evaluate as the 2027 recruiting cycle continues.
The Bigger Mission: Getting Evans Over the Playoff Hump
For Jackson and the Trojans, the immediate focus is bigger than individual rankings, statistics, or recruiting attention.
It’s about finishing what Evans has been building.
The program has experienced success in recent seasons, but advancing deeper into the playoffs has remained a challenge. Now, with an explosive offense, a district championship, and a quarterback producing at one of the highest levels in Florida, the Trojans have another opportunity to take that next step.
Jackson did not arrive at Evans to simply put up impressive numbers. His opportunity is to help lead a talented group of players beyond the postseason barriers that have limited the program in recent years.
And with the way Jackson, Dillard, and the Trojans are playing heading into November, there is plenty of reason for optimism.
The numbers have already established William Jackson as one of Florida’s most productive quarterbacks. The next chapter is about how far he can lead Evans when the games matter most.
