Jackson sees Spartan victory
As one of the highest ranked uncommitted prospects in the state of Michigan's 2016 class, Detroit Renaissance offensive tackle Alaric Jackson is focused on watching his top schools this fall. One of those programs is Michigan State, which he visited unofficially for their home opener on Saturday.
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"It was a great atmosphere," Jackson said. "It was a very intense game and a great experience for me."
After the contact between Jackson and the Michigan State coaching staff slowed during the summer, the three-star offensive tackle is feeling the interest level rise from the Spartans following Saturday's visit.
"I talked with Coach (Curtis) Blackwell and Coach (Mark) Staten a little bit and it went pretty well," Jackson said. "They just wanted to see how things were going with school and what was going on. They said they want to see me again before my official."
For his part, Jackson used Saturday's game visit to evaluate the Spartan's schemes and playing style along the line.
"I was watching the o-line/d-line play," Jackson said. "There were a lot of passes, so I liked that a lot. They have a great d-line, actually, with Malik McDowell, Lawrence Thomas and Shilique Calhoun. The o-line is a great and they have a center, Jack Allen, who is top of the line. They get after it."
Jackson holds close to 15 scholarship offers, and Michigan State remains a top contender out of that group following Saturday's visit.
"Michigan State is one of my top schools," Jackson said. "It is my home school and I have a friend going up there - Lawrence Thomas went to Renaissance. Me and him talk a lot."
A final decision from Jackson is not expected any time soon, and official visits will be taken before he makes a commitment.
"I haven't set up any official yet, but I have some in mind like Wisconsin, Iowa and Rutgers," Jackson said.
The 6-foot-7, 285-pound Jackson will lead his Renaissance team in a Public League Showdown this weekend against Detroit Cass Tech. The Phoenix have posted a 1-2 record thus far in the 2015 season.
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