Vincent Jackson Jr. is one of the most highly-touted recruits in the class of 2014. Jackson hails from Jesuit High School (Tampa, FL) and sits on roughly 40 official scholarship offers from some of the top college football programs across the country.
CLA spoke with Vincent today and he gave us some insight on what the recruiting landscape looks like at the moment.
"I really wanna play early. I'm not worried about how good a team has been in the past. I don't wanna sit for 2 or 3 years," Jackson told CLA.
Once you watch Jackson's junior highlight video it's plain to see why he's expecting to have an instant impact at the next level. It's obvious that Vincent Jackson has the ability to work his way into the starting rotation wherever he ends up.
Jackson projects as an inside linebacker or defensive end with his 6'3 245 pound frame. Colleges are also attracted to Jackson due to his tenacity on the field. On both sides of the ball, Jackson plays with a mean streak that usually results in a disappointing outcome for his opponent.
Vincent says that most schools have offered early playing time as an incentive, but he also knows that it's just part of the recruiting game.
USC was an early leader for Jackson until the departure of Monte Kiffin from the Trojans coaching staff. After Kiffin left the program there hasn't been much communication other than letters according to Jackson. The Jesuit HS 2014 All-American nevertheless remains high on Southern Cal.
"Him (Kiffin) leaving didn't really make it good for me with USC. I might end up taking an official. When I was there it was when they first started constructing all the stuff they have now. To me, USC is kind of like Tampa. It's warm year round. It was like Florida almost but on the West coast," Jackson told CLA.
"I think I'm going to reach out to them (USC). Them and Oregon were the two schools on the West coast that I'm into… and Stanford. Stanford hasn't been in contact as much as USC has. I'm just trying to see where I stand with USC." he says.
Regarding official visits, Jackson wants to check out the Texas A&M vs Alabama game this season, and he may also take an official to the Miami (FL) vs Florida State matchup.
One offer on Jackson's list that seems to be falling towards the back burner is Ohio State. Jackson said that the Buckeyes haven't been in contact recently.
"I don't see myself going up to Ohio and playing in the cold. I've never been there, I don't have friends there. Like USC, I've been there. I have a couple of friends at Oregon," said Jackson.
Familiarity with a program, academics, campus life and other factors are what many recruits base their college decisions upon. Check back for more updates on Vincent Jackson and see how his recruitment shapes up on CLA.
