Vincent Jackson talks favorites
Vincent Jackson, linebacker from Jesuit High School in Tampa, Fla., attended Friday Night Lights at the University of Florida. The elite 2014 star talked about his recent trips and favorites.
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"Friday Night Lights was really nice," said Jackson. "I got a lot of work in at tight end. That's what I wanted to work out at for the day. I had a slight foot injury. I thought I would be more effective at tight end.
"It was good to go work and get more aquainted with the coaching staff. Coach Lewis told me to keep working hard. I talk to him all the time. He told me not to worry about early offers because they don't mean anything. He said to continue to work my butt off and I'll have an offer from them."
Jackson is a life-long Gator fan. He talked of his high interest in the in-state program.
"I grew up a Florida fan," he said. "Everyone in my family likes Florida. My cousin, Matt Jones, plays for them. Florida is a great school. I know I can get a great degree there. I really like their academic structure."
Jackson has also visited Southern Cal which quickly became an eye-opening experience.
"The trip to USC was the best experience I've ever had," Jackson explained. "I mean it's USC. I met a lot of guys like Kenny Bigelow and Jalen Ramsey. I was out there for the Rising Stars camp. It was a three day experience. It was really a nice camp experience.
"Coach Monte Kiffin and I are close. We talk all of the time. He wants me to play middle linebacker. A lot of coaches have talked to me about playing middle linebacker. That's what I plan on playing this year."
Jackson has tentative plans to return to USC for an official visit.
"I have a friend out there," he said. "The city is very nice. It's a great school. I went around half of the campus, and it was so nice. I am pretty sure I will go back. I am already looking at them as one of my potential official visits."
Schools across the country are pursing Jackson's signature for next year's class. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound prospect has favorites.
"The schools recruiting me the hardest right now are Miami, USF, West Virginia, Alabama, LSU and Oregon," Jackson said. "I know this fall I want to take visits to some Pac-12 and SEC schools. I want to visit schools like Oregon, Stanford, Alabama, LSU and Clemson.
"My favorites are Miami, Ohio State, Clemson, LSU, Alabama, Oregon, Stanford and Florida. They are top-notch programs. I like top-notch schools that have tradition and will be stable in the future. I would like to win a national championship while I am at the school. Wherever I have the best relationship with the players and coaches is where I will go."