Once 2016 quarterback Joshua Jackson of Michigan's Saline HS got a look at Virginia Tech's campus, he knew his recruitment was over.
Although he decided to wait until June 11 to make his college choice public, Jackson says he was sold on committing to Tech as soon as he toured campus for the first time on June 6.
"I gave (Coach Scot Loeffler) a call once we got back to the hotel and let him know," Jackson said. "He was really happy, and told me that a spot will be open by the time I come there, so I better get ready to work."
After spending the last decade or so getting to know Loeffler, Jackson understands that Tech's offensive coordinator requires quite the work ethic from his players because he's willing to devote untold hours to the sport.
"He's crazy about working, I know he works a lot, and he expects that from me," Jackson said. "And I know he'll make me better."
In all, Jackson believes it was a combination of his visit to Tech and his trust in Loeffler that ultimately convinced him to make the plunge and commit.
"I just really enjoyed the visit, I enjoyed the whole day," Jackson said. "That and I really like and trust Coach Loeffler."
Jackson's decision will take him nearly 500 miles away from his Michigan hometown, yet he says his family has come to accept his lengthy college trip.
"My mom's a little upset that I'll be eight hours away, but they're all happy for me," Jackson said. "They liked the place a lot and enjoyed the visit. And they're happy I made my own decision."
The rising senior certainly had plenty of pressure on him to stay closer to home given his father's connection to the in-state Wolverines. Fred Jackson served as running backs coach for the program for 23 years, leaving only once Jim Harbaugh took over.
While that experience in Ann Arbor gave Jackson his first contact with Loeffler, it also means that UM would have a powerful selling point in its favor should the school decide to target Jackson.
The signal caller also previously mentioned that Penn State would immediately shoot into his top five schools should they offer, so it's clear that the Hokies will have to be vigilant if these programs start to show interest.
Even still, Jackson insists that if either the Nittany Lions or Wolverines extend an offer, that "wouldn't change anything" when it comes to his pledge to Tech.
In fact, Jackson says he's actively trying to bring more Michigan prospects down south now that he's joined Tech's class.
"I'm trying to help out with some kids in my grade," Jackson said. "Just some wide receivers and offensive linemen."
So the real question is who's gonna be the next #Sandman16 to join me?— Josh Jackson (@joshiejack17) June 12, 2015
Beyond his willingness to recruit other future Hokies, Jackson came away from campus so enamored with Blacksburg that he's currently working to ensure that he can enroll ahead of schedule.
"I'm getting my classes set up this week so that I can enroll early in January," Jackson said. "I want to get started on the playbook as soon as I can."
He acknowledges the change may be jarring, but Jackson says he still can't wait for the change to get involved at Tech.
"I know it's going to be a hard adjustment, going from high school to college so quickly," Jackson said. "But I'm just looking forward to getting into the program, being part of the team and getting a read on my teammates."
Comments
Sounds awesome. Glad he's already looking to help out in recruiting and eager to get on campus and start working. I can't wait to see the competition battle between him and Lawson.
He reminds me a lot of Bryan Randall, on an off the field.
The true unsung hero during his time!
One of my all-time favorite Hokies. Nice guy, too. Met him after we sealed the 2004 ACC Championship and he was super nice, very humble and gracious for the fan support.
Just so folks know when they bring up Sweat's situation - it can happen in our favor too!
Difference being that Jackson isn't a top 10 recruit, and we weren't competing with a blue blood program for his commitment.
Aren't competing with a blue blood program YET.
In any case, I don't think it matters. It's to the point that once a kid has his heart set on something, even if his parents disagree, it's tough to dissuade them.
Not to mention the exceptionally long relationship with a school's OC. Yeah, this situation is not a good comparison with Sweat at all.
Didn't he say earlier that he wanted to take his time and enjoy his senior year?
The kid has got the fever and the only cure is early enrollment. You gotta like that.
No that's a kid out of MD.
Okay, thanks. Wasn't sure who it was, but still . . .
The kid wants to get a leg up, so there's that.
Which is kind of huge, since he'll be joining the program only a semester after Lawson. Balances the playing field of the QB competition a little more.
Greatest SNL skit ever.
THE PENIS MIGHTIER!
my submission
will ferrel - Gus Chiggins from Stephen Kay on Myspace.
I can't imagine why this didn't make the final cut...
Ooohhh, PEACHES
Some pretty good suggestions so far, but here are some more nominees:
Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood
Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker
The Continental
Col. Angus
The Church Lady
The Delicious Dish
Wayne's World
Massive Head Wound Harry
Second for Matt Foley if only because Farley was so good he was cracking Spade and Applegate up the whole skit.
Honorable mention goes to all Celebrity Jeopardy skits and Peyton Manning United Way.
Cork Soakers
Maybe I'm reading into it too much, but it sounds like he's admitting his recruitment is over. If Michigan were to come calling, I wonder how much things would change, if at all. Last week, I would have said he's be gone in a heartbeat. Now? I'm not so sure.
josh sounds more than a good QB, he understands he needs other weapons around him to win games. if he is as good a recruiter as Gregg stroman, he could open a floodgate of great recruits committing to Tech.
Does anyone know if Lawson has officially registered?
Lawson has been on campus for about 3 weeks..
Thanks.
Lawson vs. Jackson, finally a real QB competition. We probably haven't had that since Marcus vs Bryan Randall.
My mom's a little upset that I'll be eight hours away, but they're all happy for me," Jackson said. "They liked the place a lot and enjoyed the visit. And they're happy I made my own decision."
Richmond is 12 hours to Detroit and Saline is further.
I just looked up Saline, MI to Blacksburg, VA using Google Maps and all three suggested routes are less than 8 hours.
Did I miss discussion of this or am I the only one that wonders if the Jackson's will end up in SW Virginia...particularly if, say, a certain RB coach gets a head coaching position at a smaller football program?
You could certainly do worse than Fred Jackson, although that seems like a lot of speculation...
Total speculation. But not out of the realm of possibility, no?
Try as they might, I don't think UVa is going to lure Shane away from VT, even if they offer him the head coaching job...
Agree. That's a dead end.
But a head coaching opportunity at a struggling program in, say, a mid-major conference would be pretty hard for him to turn down.
Regardless of what the over/under is set at for how many "Dawson's Creek" references I'll make, always bet the under.
Starting with:
https://youtu.be/raGFI8pUau0
So what you're saying is that you don't wanna wait for his recruiting to be over, you wanna know right now where he will be?