Jackson He

Peizhang Jackson He (Chinese: 何佩璋; pinyin: Hé Pèizhāng) is a Chinese former American football running back. He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils. He became the first Chinese-born player to play for a Power Five conference team when he appeared in a game against the UCLA Bruins on December 5, 2020.² A week later, against the Arizona Wildcats, he also became the first Chinese-born player to score a touchdown at the FBS level.³

He was born in Shaoguan, China. He was sent by his parents to the United States at age 17 for schooling.³ His English name, Jackson He, takes inspiration from Michael Jackson.³⁴ He attended Lutheran High School of San Diego, where he learned to play football.³ Although he unsuccessfully tried for the basketball team at first, he was noticed by Ron Allen, Lutheran's football coach, due to his 250-pound weight. Although initially unfamiliar with football, he stayed on the team for two years.⁴

He's college football career began at the University of Jamestown in Jamestown, North Dakota.⁴ He was recruited to play fullback at Jamestown and redshirted his first season.⁴ In 2017, his redshirt freshman season, He rushed for 376 yards on 80 carries with one touchdown.⁴ He also caught 8 passes for 40 yards and one touchdown.⁴⁵

He left Jamestown in 2018 and returned to China, where he played professionally in the Chinese National Football League with the Foshan Tigers.⁴ He later enrolled at Arizona State University and became a member of its football team.⁴ He was recruited by the university's coach, Herm Edwards.⁴

In a 2020 game against UCLA, He wore a jersey with his name in Chinese characters.² On December 11, 2020, during a 70–7 rout of rival Arizona, He received four handoffs, which he ran for seven yards and a touchdown.⁶ With the score, He became the first Chinese-born player to score a touchdown in the FBS.⁶