Westside stars making recruiting waves

While running back R.J. Jackson receives the headlines at Westside High School, quarterback Marcus Jackson is just below the fold.

Jackson (6-1, 195-pounds) directs the Westside offense and received first-team, all-district accolades at quarterback as a junior. He was also named the district’s second-team punter.

Like his running back namesake, Jackson has already received early offers from Baylor and the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. He has been also receiving interest from TCU, Houston, LSU, Texas and Oklahoma.

“I’ve never really paid much attention to Baylor, but it’s a great school,” he said. “I like their spread offense and they stay in the shotgun most of the time.”

Westside’s stable of stars, which also includes T.J. Minor, are considering going to the same school.

“We all like the University of Houston, but they haven’t offered me or T.J.” he said. “We are looking at schools that offer all three of us. We’d love to all get into the same place. I went to the Cougars’ camp last week and the coaches say they want me up there.

“As far as committing early, only if the right school offers would I commit early,” he said. “If not, I plan on taking my visits and waiting until February.”

Jackson will be participating in seven-on-seven tournaments this summer as well as attending summer camps including TCU and Baylor. He has already taken unofficial visits to camps at Oklahoma State and Houston. As one of the leaders of the close knit Westside Wolves, Jackson also has plans on playing until December.

“We are expecting to at least go to the state semi-finals, which is a tremendous step for a school that has only been open for five years,” he said. “We really have our hearts set on playing in the state championship game.”