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On National Signing Day, athlete J.C. Jackson made his commitment to Florida official by signing his National Letter of Intent and faxing it to the Gators' football offices. And now we can formally congratulate J.C. on the day he became a Florida Gator for real after flirting with the prospect of making a full trip around the Sunshine State's Big Three schools.
We can also tell you about J.C.'s recruitment — there is a lot to tell! — show you his highlights, and project his future impact for the Gators.
Recruitment
J.C. Jackon's recruitment was a spectacle, to say the least. So it is, has been, and shall be with Immokalee recruits.
Jackson was committed to Florida State in early 2013, but decommitted from the 'Noles and flipped to the Gators in June. But he kept his options open over the fall, and had taken multiple visits both to Coral Gables and Tallahassee by the end of January ... and then, last Saturday, he showed up in Gainesville out of the blue on a day he was supposed to make an official visit to Florida State and receive Miami coach Al Golden on an in-home visit. Jackson ultimately chose the Gators over in-state rivals Miami and Florida State, but even that visit wasn't enough to fully tip his hand, as he gave cryptic quotes to reporters shortly after making it, and posted an Instagram picture of himself in a garnet and gold Florida State hat earlier this week.
Jackson, a consensus four-star prospect, has the ability to play both ways in college, but has publicly acknowledged his desire to play cornerback at the college level, and will likely start there in 2014. Jackson, who shined his senior year, received offers from the aforementioned Big Three, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, and Tennessee, among others.
Highlights
Future Impact
Jackson is an extremely talented athlete, and we project him to become an immediate contributor to the Florida defensive backfield and special teams units. Jackson will play corner, and has the requisite skill set to make a legitimate impact at the next level at boundary, field, or nickel corner, thanks to his speed and strength. Jackson is fast, strong, and willing to mix it up, and it shows on tape.
Along with Jalen Tabor, Jackson provides superb depth at the cornerback position in this class, and shores up an already elite unit that will be good for years to come. Don't be surprised if you see Jackson returning a few kicks next year, as well, as his elusiveness and speed will suit him well in the return game.
