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Goal No. 16: RESPONSIBILITY.You are responsible for your own performance.

#16 DJ Ackerson Jr.

True Freshman | 6-1 | 207 lbs. (+15) | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Position: Linebacker
• Projection: Redshirt/Special Teams
• Remaining Eligibility: 4-5* years (*if 5 to play 5 goes into effect or he redshirts)
• Status: On Scholarship

Dejon “DJ” Ackerson Jr. (b. July 2, 2008) is a speedy young linebacker from Oklahoma City who plans on majoring in finance. I expect him to redshirt* but wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him play on special teams.

Ackerson, “known as one of the most technically sound yet vicious defensive players in the state,” prepped under head coach Willis Anderson at Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City, where he was viewed as the 30th-best linebacker nationally in the Class of 2026 by Rivals, while the organization rated him the sixth-best overall player in the state of Oklahoma.

He recorded 73 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery as a senior.

Ackerson was named to The Oklahoman’s Super 30 list prior to his senior season after recording 71 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks, five forced fumbles and five pass breakups for the Pirates as a junior.

He committed to and signed with K-State over offers from Boston College, Maryland, Nevada, Pittsburgh, and home state teams Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Tulsa, as well as late recruiting interest from Michigan.

Ackerson’s primary recruiter was his former position coach, Steve Stanard, assisted by former offensive coordinator Matt Wells, who was in charge of recruiting the state of Oklahoma for the prior coaching staff.

Here is what GoPowercat.com’s Cole Carmody had to say about this budding MIKE/SAM linebacker, who he compared to recently graduated senior Desmond Purnell:

A playmaker, Ackerson could be the most slept-on player in the class. Due for a ratings bump in the near future, he is yet another player who could wind up with a fourth star by his name. A guy who can play on the outside, he appears to be a perfect fit for the SAM position. A hard-hitter, Ackerson possesses the speed and instincts to make an early impact on … defense.

Learn more about Ackerson in this wonderful profile piece by D. Scott Fritchen from right after he signed with us.

“I have to dominate,” Ackerson said. “I have to show my talent and not back down from the challenge.”

*Keep in mind that starting this season, redshirted players can play in up to nine total games and retain their year of eligibility. If the 5-for-5 rule survives its court challenges, that number goes from nine to “all of them.”

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