Star Jackson is fulfilling his dream
SAN ANTONIO - Growing up in Florida, Lake Worth quarterback Star Jackson dreamed about one day being a part of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.
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Jackson recalls watching former Army All-American greats like Reggie Bush and Vince Young, hoping he one day would be a part of the prestigious game himself.
As Jackson walked into the lobby at the Westin on the San Antonio River Walk on Sunday, it just was starting to set in what he was about to become a part of.
"Just seeing guys like Vince Young and Reggie Bush and all these great players I'm surrounded by now, it's good to finally get out here," Jackson said. "You work hard to get this opportunity, so it's a good deal.
"I watched the very first Army All-American Bowl. I never thought much of it when I watched it and I never thought I'd be in the game some day."
Jackson committed to Alabama back in September, becoming head coach Nick Saban's first ever quarterback recruit.
"It means a lot to me to be his first guy," Jackson said. "Nick Saban is a hard-nosed coach. The things he might do or might say are not great for everyone, but they are what's best for the team.
"He cares about the team first instead of himself. It's a good thing and I'm excited to be going to Alabama to be his first quarterback."
Another thing Jackson is excited about this week is getting the opportunity to play with two other talented quarterbacks on the East squad.
Joining Jackson on the East are the Rivals.com No. 1 and No. 2 ranked dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation—Terrelle Pryor and MarQueis Gray.
"All three of us are the same kind of quarterbacks that bring the same type of things to the game," Jackson said. "It's going to be fun to be around those guys, I think we can all learn something from each other.
"I just think with all three of us, we are all going to get a chance and we are all going to be great."
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