Three-star corner makes decision
Demetrius Jackson visited Portland State about a month ago and the two things that stood out most to him during the trip were the coaching staff and an opportunity to get on the field early.
The three-star cornerback from Baldwin Park, Calif., had offers from New Mexico State and UTEP but he felt most comfortable with Portland State and decided to commit on Sunday morning.
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"Coach (Nigel) Burton is a cool dude, a lovely dude, and coach (Brad) Davis stuck with me all the way through," Jackson said.
"They really looked out for me and helped me get there. The players on the team are all really cool. I get along with them well. The defensive scheme is what I like to run, it's the same philosophy I have in high school and that played a big role. I am happy to go up there."
Early playing time is a definite possibility for Jackson, a physical 5-foot-11, 185-pound prospect who thrived at the Los Angeles NIKE Camp last spring. He missed his junior season because of transfer rules but proved he has the potential to be a standout cornerback.
At Portland State, Jackson said he plans to get there early in the summer and hopes to either earn playing time on defense or on special teams - wherever he can help out the team as a freshman.
Rivals.com rates Jackson as the No. 42 cornerback nationally and No. 52 in the California state rankings.
"The coaches told me I was going to go early for summer workouts so I'd have a chance to compete," Jackson said.
"It's very important to get up there. I can't wait. I want to come in early and make plays early and help the team out as much as I can whether that's on special teams or anything."