UVA gets another Jersey commitment

As if Eugene Monroe, Mike Brown, Lamont Robinson and Denzel Burrell were not enough, the Virginia Cavaliers have added yet another commitment from New Jersey.

"I committed to Virginia on Friday," said 6-foot-2, 250-pound running back Rashawn Jackson from Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep. "I feel it's an up-and-coming program that has a chance to play in a lot of bowls and I really liked the coaches and the area."

Jackson, who chose Virginia over offers from Nebraska, Tennessee, Rutgers and Florida amongst others, will be a tailback in college despite his size.

"A lot of people mention Ron Dayne when talking about me, which is flattering," he said. "But I think I'm more shifty than just a big, bruising back. Guys on defense will expect me to try to run them over and I'll give them a move and shake them."

Jackson, who runs a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, has helped his team to a 4-0 record so far this year despite seeing limited action on offense because of an ankle injury. His decision pretty much came down to Virginia and Rutgers.

"I really love Rutgers and the coaches are great, they did an awesome job of recruiting me," he said. "But if I were to ask you who would win between Virginia and Syracuse, who would you say? Then if I were to ask you who would win between Rutgers and UNH or Syracuse...you see the difference.

"The coaches at Rutgers are great and I like them, but they can only do so much. If the players on the team take a game off or don't show desire, it hurts everyone because all the top New Jersey guys go off elsewhere. Virginia offers a great education, the chance to play for bowl games and I've known my recruiting coach Mark D'Onofrio forever. He recruited me since I was a freshman when he was at Rutgers."

Jackson likes his chances to play early.

"I have to get ready," he said. "Wali Lundy could head to the pros and if he stays he has only one year left anyhow. Alvin Pearman will be gone also, so they'll need help."

Jackson is the No. 12 player in the state of New Jersey and No. 31 running back overall. He joins teammate Mike Brown as a Virginia commitment.