J.C. Jackson was born and raised in Immokalee, Florida and starred as a two-way player for Immokalee High School as a wide receiver and defensive back. He finished his senior season with 1,403 all-purpose yards, including 862 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns to go with 53 tackles and two interceptions on defense. He would be named a four-star prospect and was invited to play in the 2013 Under Armour All-American game.
Jackson signed with Florida to continue his football career but his time in Gainesville was cut short due to injury. After going down in the season opener, Jackson missed the remainder of the year before deciding to transfer to Riverside Community College (CA).