Jackson one of Mississippis finest

Junior to Watch: Terrell Jackson

School: Brandon (Miss.) Puckett High School

Position: Defensive Back/Wide Receiver

Size and speed: Jackson is 6-feet tall, weighs 185 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds.

Statistics: As a junior, he recorded 1,678 yards from scrimmage and scored 21 touchdowns as a wingback and wide receiver. On the defensive side of the ball, he had 70 tackles and six interceptions.

Honors: Was selected first-team all-state by the Clarion-Ledger.

Favorite Schools: Has widespread interest in the SEC.

Skinny: Speed is the name of the game for one of the Magnolia State’s top prospects for 2004.

“Terrell is a tremendous athlete. He plays football, basketball and track here,” said Puckett coach Lennis Stevens. “He’s got excellent speed and quickness, a great first step. He’s run a 10.5 in the 100, so that gives you an idea of his explosiveness.”

Jackson played numerous positions for Puckett as a junior, excelling no matter where Stevens placed him. As a wingback and wide receiver, he accounted for almost 1,700 yards from scrimmage. At safety, he recorded 70 tackles and six interceptions. He also returned kickoffs and punts.

“He’s a very versatile kid,” Stevens said. “I think he could play a number of positions on the next level. On offense, he’s got the the great speed and hands to play receiver. On defense, he’s got real good instincts. He’s good in coverage or in coming up and tackling people. I think he’d make an excellent defensive back in college. He’s what a lot of coaches are looking for at that position.”

Stevens said he’s received early interest in Jackson from “all over the South. A lot of SEC schools have been in touch. All the Mississippi schools.”

“I’m not sure if Terrell has a favorite right now,” he added. “I’d prefer to let him say that, but he likes several of those SEC schools.”

Jackson has yet to decide which spring and summer camps he will attend.