UC Davis got a commitment from Jackson Fay before big breakthrough senior campaign had even gotten started.
East Union coach Jason Stock said that the Big Sky program is “lucky” to have him.
On Friday, EU held a signing ceremony for Fay in its newly-built small gym, which was packed with people from the Lancers community and beyond.
The early-signing period — which opened on Wednesday — was merely a formality to Fay, whose heart had been set on UC Davis since he was offered a full-ride scholarship by coach Tim Plough over
“I went to their camp this summer and just hit it off with them right away,” Fay said. “I was already familiar with the campus and facilities, so when they offered me it was just a no-brainer to go there.”
Fay’s skill set is a perfect fit for UC Davis’ offense. The three-star receiver is an explosive play waiting to happen anytime he gets the ball in any phase of the game. He shattered East Union’s single-season touchdown record this past fall with 35 — 19 receiving, 13 rushing, two kickoff returns, one punt return.
Recently named the Valley Oak League’s Offensive Player of the Year, Fay came up short of a rare 1,000-1,000 season, finishing with 928 receiving yards on 60 catches and 895 rushing yards on 71 carries. He also had 299 yards on kickoff returns (24.9 average) and another 145 on punts (20.7 average).
“They’re like an Air Raid Offense and they get guys in space, which I think compliments me a lot,” Fay said. “And I know I’ll get a great education in one of the best universities in the country, so it’s such a blessing.”
Fay plans to study environmental science.
He keyed an historic 2025 run with the Lancers, who went 9-4 and upset the No. 1 seed in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoffs before dropping a 31-29 heartbreaker to Roseville in the final. It was East Union’s first title-round appearance since 1989.
Fay is excited to join one of the top Football Championship Subdivision programs in the NCAA. Under second-year coach Plough, the 2024 Aggies advanced to the NCAA Division I Football Championship quarterfinal and finished with 11 wins along with their highest-ever FCS ranking at No. 5.
This season, they’re 8-3 and seeded No. 8 in the FCS playoffs. UC Davis hosts No. 9 Rhode Island (11-2) today.
A four-sport standout, Fay is currently playing basketball for varsity coach Dutch Ell for the third straight year. Ell joked on Friday that Fay attempt to be the school’s first six-sport athlete.
Fay also excels in both baseball and track in the spring. Last year, he qualified for the state meet in the 100-meter dash and was an All-VOL second-team selection for baseball.
Thanks to his involvement in multiple sports through the years, the eldest son of Zachary and Michele has garnered the support many people in Manteca and Ripon, and they were in attendance Friday.
“I’m just blessed to have so many people in my life, and sharing that moment with them felt great,” Fay said.
