Oregon HC Dan Lanning mourns Khyree Jackson's tragic death with heartfelt message: "I will miss your smile"

Oregon football coach Dan Lanning posted a heartfelt message for former Ducks cornerback Khyree Jackson after the player's death on Saturday. Jackson reportedly passed away in a fatal car accident in the early hours of the morning, near Temple Hills in Maryland.

Lanning, who worked with Jackson at Oregon for one season, tweeted:

"RIP Khyree… Love you @Real_Khyree at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person,"

The news of Jackson's death was confirmed by his mother, Ebbony Jackson. Ebbony informed TMZ that she received a call about her son's death at around 4 a.m. on Saturday.

Further details about Jackson's death are yet to be disclosed.

Along with Lanning, several fans and sports personalities posted tributes to Jackson on social media.

Dan Lanning and Khyree Jackson spent one season together at Oregon

Oregon Ducks HC Dan Lanning (Image Credit: Imagn)

Dan Lanning recruited Khyree Jackson to Oregon for the 2023 college football season. The two worked together for one season before the latter declared for the NFL draft.

During his sole season at Oregon, Jackson started all 12 regular-season games. The cornerback led the team with three interceptions, while recording 34 total tackles (25 solo), 5.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks.

Furthermore, Jackson led the Ducks with 10 passes defended in 2023. According to PFF, he played 520 total defensive snaps, including 320 in coverage, and earned a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection.

Since Jackson was preparing for the 2024 NFL draft, he did not feature in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, where Oregon crushed the Liberty Flames 45-6.

Jackson developed his game expertly under coach Lanning, boosting his draft stock to establish himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the country. It also led to the player getting picked by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round (No. 108 overall) of the draft.

Before transferring to Oregon, Jackson spent one year at Fort Scott in 2019 and spent two seasons at Alabama from 2021 to 2022.