Jackson picks up first two offers
Demetrius Jackson missed his junior season because of transfer rules so his senior year will be important for recruiting purposes but the Baldwin Park, Calif., prospect also wants to prove he's one of the better cornerbacks in California.
"I didn't play last year and people doubt my abilities and I just want to show the world that I have it and I am the best," Jackson said.
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"I want to show them. A lot of people gave up on me because I transferred and they thought I was done, a lot of people kept saying that. I have to show them I worked hard, hard, hard. When I didn't play last season I worked hard and this summer I worked even harder."
UTEP and New Mexico State have already offered Jackson, a physical 5-foot-11, 185-pound prospect who was one of the best cornerbacks at the Los Angeles NIKE Camp this spring. Rivals.com rates No. 33 at cornerback nationally and No. 43 in the California state rankings.
He said the coaches from UTEP and New Mexico State had a similar message about his recruitment when both programs offered.
"The coaches really like me," said Jackson, who attended the San Jose State summer camp.
"They say I can play early if I go and the coaches were telling me they like my video and they like my sophomore tape and they were going to wait until my senior year but they love me already and they couldn't wait so they wanted to offer me."
Things could pick up even more for Jackson, a three-star prospect, once the season starts and coaches can see film from his first few games. That's Jackson's hope anyway and he believes some more schools could come in with offers.
Washington, UCLA and Air Force have started to show interest and in the past couple months Boise State, Washington State and Northwestern have gotten involved. A big start to his senior year could mean big things for Jackson.
"It's real important I do well," Jackson said. "I have to show people I can play."