Jackson hitting the road
Tucked away in the northwest corner of Louisiana sits the Golden Tornado of Haynesville. In 2012 the Golden Tornado football team made their way to an 11-3 record and the 1A State Championship game in New Orleans.
On the year the Golden Tornado only lost to one other 1A program and that was not until the final game of the season. Helping to lead the way was two-way standout Jerrell Jackson.
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Jackson, a standout 2014 prospect, quarterbacked the team and was an intimidating presence in the secondary at 6-1, 180 pounds. He earned first-team all-district at both quarterback and defensive back, was named district co-Offensive MVP, and honorable mention all-state honors.
His play turned the heads of teammates and opponents alike, it also put him on the radars of college coaches. As fall turned to winter and spring the recruiting process has picked up the pace.
"It's going good. I've gone on some visits and I have more visits to come," Jackson said. "I got invited to every LSU game and I just got back from junior day at LSU and I've been at Nichols State. Then I'll go to Louisiana Tech on the 10th and Louisiana-Laffayette on the 23rd. "
His recent trip to LSU left a very favorable impression.
"The trip to LSU was nice," Jackson said. "I like the campus and when I went there the coaches really showed they love their players. You know there are some schools where coaches say that to get you there but the LSU players really showed their emotions. I think LSU would be the real deal."
He is hearing most from in-state programs Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana Tech, Nicholls State, and LSU, but there is some interest also coming from out of state.
"I've been getting emails and letters from other schools like Texas Tech, Utah, and Oklahoma," Jackson said. "I got invited to the Oregon camp."
He is receiving most of his interest as a defensive back, but he has made an impact on every side of the ball while at Haynesville.
"Playing different spots lets me have opportunities on different sides of the ball and as a punt and kickoff return," Jackson said. "It gives me a chance to show my ability as an athlete on the field."
Jackson enjoys the making plays all over the field, but he does have a favorite position.
"My favorite position is defensive back," Jackson said. "Any spot at defensive back. I prefer cornerback, but my coaches put me at safety."
The Haynesville standout plans to showcase his abilities on March 17 when he makes his way to Cedar Hill, Texas for the Rivals Camp Series presented by Under Armour.
"It's an opportunity to show my talent not just in Louisiana but all over the place against different people," Jackson said. "People just look at me in Louisiana but I can show it off to other people around the world."