Miami Central has even more DI talent

Miami (Fla.) Central already has five players committed to Division I programs. The scary thing for opponents of the Rockets is that they have quite a few more prospects who have yet to make college pledges. One of the top left on the board is defensive end Dwight Jackson.

The 6-foot-1, 218-pound defender plays with his hand down on the ground for Central but could end up playing on the line or at linebacker at the next level. Schools have taken notice of his versatility and athleticism and he holds a handful of early offers with other programs eyeing him as well.

"I have offers from Kentucky, USF, UCF and FIU," Jackson said. "I think Florida's fixing to offer me. I could also see offers from Florida State and UM.

"I was going to go to the Auburn and Georgia camps with some of my teammates. Some of the people didn't have money for the flight, though, so we didn't get to go. I'm supposed to be going to the Alabama camp soon with some of my teammates."

As for the three in-state programs that have yet to extend offers, Jackson says that each of them remains a possibility.

"I talked to the coach from Florida when I went to their camp," he said. "He said that they had to have a meeting with all the coaches and then they were going to send out an offer. They only have a limited amount of offers.

"Miami, I could go there if I want to. My grandma graduated from UM and I already have my tuition paid for if I want to go there. I could play there without using up a scholarship.

"Florida State, they said [an offer] is in question. They said they have two guys at the defensive end spot - one junior and one senior. They said I did outstanding at the camp and I could end up with an offer."

Jackson says that he is open to playing any position at the next level and he actually has experience at linebacker as well.

"I changed the spring of my 10th grade year," he said of his position. "I never played JV; I always played varsity. They had me at middle linebacker as a freshman. That was the same year that (Sean) Spence and (Marcus) Forston were at The West. I didn't get too much playing time because there were three seniors in front of me, but I played linebacker then.

"I'm vicious too at defensive end, the same as at linebacker. I can play either one in college. It really doesn't matter to me. I'll play what they want me to play. Kentucky, they told me that if I come up there, they're going to have me at all three linebacker spots. Then, on third downs, they want me to get at defensive end and rush the quarterback."

Jackson says that, unlike his five teammates, he is not yet ready to make a decision. He does admit that a couple of programs currently stand out but cautions that things could change.

"I like UM," he said. "Then again, I also like UK because my best friend goes to UK - our running back, Brandon Gainer. He's pretty excited about me coming up there because they've already sent me my written offer and everything. I don't know yet, though. I've got a whole season to play. I don't know what's going to happen at the end.

"I know some of my teammates have committed and they're already planning their futures. I'm still just thinking about everything. I want to make sure I make the best decision."