Recruiting Area (Illinois)
Lavell Jackson joined the Maverick coaching staff in the summer of 2018 as the defensive backs coach. In March 2023, Jackson was named the assistant defensive coordinator.
Jackson's first season with the Mavericks saw Maverick defensive backs notch eight interceptions and two fumble recoveries. As a team, MSU allowed just 200.5 receiving yards per game, which ranked third in the NSIC. Ty'Shonan Brooks and Cole Schroedermeier claimed All-NSIC honors during Jackson's first season with the Purple and Gold.
The 2019 season saw a total of saw three Maverick defensive backs, including Jack Curtis, Parrish Marrow and Cole Schroedermeier claim All-NSIC accolades. Ty'Shonan Brooks and Cade Johnson claimed All-NSIC Honorable Mentions also. As a unit, the Maverick defensive backs limited opposing offense to 199.1 passing yards a game and came up with 17 interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
The Mavericks resumed competition during the 2021 season after Covid-19 cancelled the 2020 season. Maverick defensive back Ty'Shonan Brooks would receive All-NSIC First Team honors for his efforts during the 2021 season and would go on to receive AFCA All-American Second Team honors. The Maverick defense ranked third in the NSIC in passing yards allowed (216.6 ypg) during the 2021 season.
During the 2022 season, Jackson coached a pair of All-NSIC honorees including Payton Conrad and Trey Vaval. Conrad would claim All-NSIC First Team honors, while Vaval received All-NSIC Second Team honors as a defensive back and All-NSIC First Team honors as a return specialist. Vaval would go on to receive D2CCA All-American Second Team honors and a Don Hansen All-American Honorable Mention. Conrad would also receive a Don Hansen All-American Honorable Mention.
In 2023, five Maverick defensive players would claim All-NSIC honors, including defensive backs Trey Vaval and Khai West who each garnered All-NSIC First Team accolades. Vaval would go on to receive AFCA All-American honors, whiel West was named the NSIC Defensive Newcomer of the Year. The MSU defensive backs helped limit opposing quarterbacks to a 52.8 completion % which ranked second in the NSIC. The Mavericks also recorded 12 interceptions and allowed just 18 touchdown passes on the season which ranked fourth in the conference.
During the previous three seasons, Jackson served as the defensive coordinator and associate head coach for the Bethany College football team in Lindsborg, Kan. During his time with the Swedes, Jackson coached 10 All-KCAC student-athletes and helped the Bethany to the 35th best pass defense in the NAIA during the 2015 season.
Before joining Bethany College, Jackson spent one season at Missouri Valley College, where he coached the defensive backs and three All-HAAC Student-Athletes. He also served two stints as an assistant coach at Sioux Falls. During the 2010 season, Jackson worked as an assistant defensive backs coach as he helped his team to a 13-1 finish and an appearance in the NAIA national championship game. He would return to the Cougar coaching staff in 2013 as the team's cornerbacks coach.
Between his two stops at Sioux Falls, the Harvey, Ill., native also spent one season at MidAmerica Nazarene University and Thorton Township High School. At MidAmerica Nazarene, Jackson served as the defensive backs coach, to go along with academic and recruiting coordinator duties. During the 2012 season, his defense ranked first in both pass defense and pass defense efficiency and 14th in defense in the NAIA.
At Thorton Township he worked as a co-defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator and as a defensive backs coach as he helped his team to a second place finish in conference and a state tournament appearance.
As a player, Jackson spent four seasons with the University of Sioux Falls, including two seasons in which he helped USF to NAIA Championships in 2008 and 2009. In 2009, he earned All-GPAC honors as a punt returner.
Jackson earned his bachelor's degree in communications at Sioux Falls in 2010. He also received his master's degree in organizational leadership from MidAmerica Nazarene in 2013.
