2016 QB Joshua Jackson Commits to Hokies, "Ready to Work" with Virginia Tech OC Scot Loeffler

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."