Nick Jackson to Virginia: "I committed to my dream school"
Many schools made a run at Atlanta (Ga.) Lovett linebacker Nick Jackson, but after taking a hard look at Duke, Northwestern, Texas A&M and Virginia, he gave his pledge to the Cavaliers.
Before Jackson ever had the offer from Virginia, he took in a game there. It is the school his father attended.
Since that visit last fall, the No. 24 inside linebacker in the country has visited five times, putting him on the Virginia campus half a dozen times.
His last visit was when the Cavaliers defeated Miami, and that is when he knew he was ready to give the news to Bronco Mendenhall.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
"On Sunday night towards the end of my official visits, I told coach Mendenhall that I want of be part of the program," said Jackson. "He was excited. I was excited. I told him that I think something special is going on at Virginia and I want to be part of it.
"It was a tough, grueling process, so I am happy to have it over with. It is a great feeling. I have committed to my dream school, so it is exciting.
"The academics at Virginia were a big part of my decision. They have been a top three public school in academics the last 27 years. That really stood out to me. I love the athletics and the football program that they are building there. The foundation is already there, so I will get to be a part of that next step and build something special there.
"I also like how they plan to use me in their defense. They want me as a MIKE (inside) linebacker, but they love how athletic I am too. They think I can stay on the field all three downs and they can just slide me outside on third downs. The feel they can blitz me from different angles too with my quickness.
"I was there for the Georgia Tech game last year and I saw the crowd rush the field after that game. Then I was back this year when the crowd rushed the field against after the Miami win. I just had that itch to commit. I talked to the players, they talked about the program, they told me stories about the school and I knew I was ready.
"I am happy with my decision. Virginia was my dream school before I was ever recruited by them. This is just the next step. Now I want to help build something special there."
RIVALS REACTION
This is a huge get for Virginia. Jackson is a leader on and off the field. He is an instinctive linebacker who knows how to find the football. He does a great job of reading his keys, getting down field and making the play. He is a strong tackler and he wraps up well. Jackson is a smart player. He is going to see the field early at Virginia and he could develop into a defensive leader for the Cavaliers early in his career. He had a long, impressive offer list, so this pick up for Virginia is a big one.
