Decision coming for Virginia LB

In the past month, Glen Allen (Va.) Deep Run linebacker Derek Jackson has taken in two camps. The 6-foot-0, 213-pounder made stops through Maryland and Northwestern and has at least two more camps coming up in the near future.

"I went to Maryland's camp last Tuesday and Northwestern in June," he stated. "I liked both of them a lot. I learned a lot at Maryland's with some new drills, while Northwestern's was a more athletic thing. I got to do one-on-ones there.

"I did talk to the coaches at both. Coach Washington from Northwestern told me I ran really well and said they really like me and may be able to work something out. He told me if I don't get an offer this summer they'll ask for senior tape and decide on an offer from that. As for Maryland, I got to meet coach Friedgen and I'm not sure what they're going to do."

Over the next couple weeks, Jackson will be attending two more camps to Purdue starting today and Syracuse on the ninth and tenth.

"I just hope to see that I'm really impressed by their academics," he said. "I'd like to meet the team and get along with the coaches and stuff.

"I was talking to my dad about the Syracuse visit. I asked him what the point is in going to Syracuse if I really like Purdue, so there's the chance I may commit pretty soon."

Could Jackson commit while at Purdue?

"I'm not sure," he said. "I'm still planning to make a decision at the beginning of the season."