Four-star back Jackson wide open

Carol Stream (Ill.) Glenbard North running back Justin Jackson earned a spot in the initial Rivals250 for the 2014 class after a junior season in which he rushed for 2,612 yards and 35 touchdowns.

The 6-foot, 175-pound Jackson has reeled in offers from Northwestern, Illinois, Iowa, Boston College, Purdue, Toledo, Indiana and Vanderbilt, but he is in no rush to end his recruitment.

"It is a really long process, and I am definitely going to do all I can to make sure I make the right decision because it is such an important decision," Jackson said. "I am not one who is going to go somewhere, then de-commit or transfer. I am going to be loyal to my team and to my school, so I am going to make sure I pick the right school for me."

Even the schools that have not offered are receiving close inspection from Jackson. He took his only junior day visit this winter to a school that has shown significant interest but has yet to offer.

"I went to Nebraska's, but that was the only one I've gone to," Jackson said. "That was very good and informational. I really wasn't expecting that much, but there was a lot there. I was really impressed by them."

Jackson does not plan additional junior day trips, but he does plan to be active this spring in visiting schools.

"I am going to Indiana, I believe, in March," he said. "Then I am going to Ohio State at the end of March. Those dates aren't for sure yet, but that is what I am planning for now.

"I am going to try to schedule some more to try and get on campus and get to know more schools, develop relationships with coaches."

Jackson was a two-way starter for a Glenbard North team that was state runner-up in Class 8A last fall. He has the potential to play on either side of the football in college, but he is primarily being targeted on offense.

"A lot of schools are talking running back," Jackson said. "Nebraska is leaning toward corner, and maybe some others are. Most schools are saying they want me as their running back. I was talking to Kentucky the other day and he said I could play DB, but he wants me at running back because I am their type of running back."

[rl]