James Jackson brings the tally back to 14
Much to my surprise, apparently James Jackson has committed to Ohio State as Rivals.com is listing him as an Ohio State commitment. The Lord taketh and the Lord giveth back, I guess.
James Jackson (Grand Ledge, MI) is a speedy wideout, with a listed 40 time of 4.31. I would need to see this number duplicated again, but one does not need further verification about Jackson’s speed credentials. He and Chris Fields are very similar players in their 6’0 statures, lighter frames (about 180lbs, though Jackson is listed at 175lbs). While the Buckeyes seemingly went after the taller matchup problems in 2008 (Stoneburner, Posey, Scott if the staff was earnest in telling him he was going to start playing at wideout1 ), the two commitments the Buckeyes have at wideout in 2009 are more of the Ted Ginn variety.
I do know the Buckeyes were very high on Jackson’s list, and he did attend the Spring Game, but I had no idea a commitment was forthcoming so quickly. I hope Jackson has seen all he needs to see. I know the staff saw all they needed to see to make him one of their priority targets at wideout in 2009 (Duron Carter, probably, being the other one.).
:beer:
- I’ve seen conflicting reports on this [↩]
Vico,
While Duron Carter seems the most likely (since his dad is Cris Carter), I would imagine the staff going hard for a big man (6’3″ to 6’5″).
yeah, the Buckeyes are done with the shorter speedsters in 2009. I don’t think anyone of note that fits that billing is left on the board. The Buckeyes are no lock for Carter, though, as Duron grew up a Michigan fan and talked openly about pursuing his own legacy elsewhere. Marlon Brown also has an offer (6’5), though I’d be shocked if we make his top 3. Same holds for Jheranie Boyd and Shaquelle Evans (6’2 each). To be honest, I don’t know if the Bucks have a contingency plan for a third wideout in this class… Kraig Appleton? I know very little about Appleton.
I’m still not sure how Duron Carter grew up a Michigan fan. How?
http://recruiting.scout.com/2/732625.html
Duron grew up favoring Michigan and USC. He was coming of age (13-14ish) as Braylon Edwards was pulling in catches for Michigan. Even now, while Michigan doesn’t appear to be on the radar, I think the story now is the same as the story then: Cris Carter would love for his son to attend Ohio State, but he’s not pushing anything on him.
Do you think james Jackson will be a major contributor to the Ohio state football team throughout his career there?
I express some optimism about that here: http://www.ourhonordefend.com/2009/02/post-signing-day-roundtable.php