Gators, Cocks among DBs early offers

Junior to Watch: Kyle Jackson

School: Neptune Beach (Fla.) Fletcher HS

Position: Defensive Back/Wide Receiver

Size and speed: Jackson is 6-feet tall, weighs 190 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. He has a 285 bench press and a 425 squat.

Statistics: As a junior, he recorded 90 tackles, nine interceptions and five defensive/special teams touchdowns.

Honors: Was selected all-conference as a junior.

Favorite Schools: Florida, Florida State, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Duke.

Skinny: A handful of scholarship offers have rolled in for one of the Sunshine State’s top prospects in the Class of 2004.

“I have offers from Florida, South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Duke,” said Neptune Beach Fletcher standout Kyle Jackson. “I’m also getting a lot of attention from Florida State and Georgia Tech. I think they’ll be offering me scholarships, too.

“I grew up a fan of the Gators, so it’s really cool to have a scholarship offer from them, but I want to take my time and find the best fit for me. I want to find the best combination of football, academics, the coaching staff and how much playing time is available for me. I want to play early.”

Physically, Jackson appears ready to step in and contribute on the next level. To go along with his 6-foot, 190-pound frame, he runs a 4.4 forty, bench-presses 285 pounds and squats 425.

“Kyle is a tremendous athlete,” Fletcher coach Joe Reynolds said. “He can play almost anywhere on the field and has for us. We’ve had him at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, linebacker, cornerback and safety during his career, and he’s always done a great job no matter where we put him.

“The best thing about him as a defensive back is his combination of speed and aggressiveness, his willingness to hit. He’s a great tackler. Most of your defensive backs are either real fast or a big hitter. He’s both.”

Jackson recorded 90 tackles and nine interceptions last season. He returned two of his pick-offs back for touchdowns.

He’s also solid in the classroom, maintaining a 3.1 GPA. He’ll take the ACT on April 12.

Jackson will participate in the Nike camp at Gainesville on Sunday. He says he’s considering summer camps at Florida, Vandy and Georgia Tech.