Houston (Texas) Elsik linebacker Dontavious Jackson made his way up to Arlington on Sunday for the Dallas The Opening regional with one thing on his mind -- to earn an invitation to The Opening.
No. 4 ILB Dontavious Jackson wants to narrow list after spring visits
Which schools will have a chance to make an impression on the nation’s No. 4 inside linebacker?
Mission accomplished, as the 6’3, 235-pounder was one of a record 13 participants to earn his spot at Nike’s prestigious summer event. Before the combine, Jackson spoke with SB Nation Recruiting about the status of his recruitment.
Fans on the lookout for a top five from the inside linebacker prospect will have to wait until after the spring, when Jackson said that he plans on narrowing his focus. In the efforts to form that list, Jackson has been busy traveling this spring, taking trips to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas and Texas A&M.
The visit to Norman came the day before the video of the racist chant at the SAE fraternity emerged, but Jackson said that while it had a negative influence on other prospects’ perception of Oklahoma, he’s looking at it differently.
“Growing up, you have to understand that stuff is everywhere and you can’t judge a school off of 15 people who were being ignorant, so it’s not going to affect my decision,” he said.
Asked what stands out about Texas A&M, Jackson was quick to point to new defensive coordinator John Chavis.
“He’s very aggressive,” he said. “He’s a very intimate coach -- he’s going to get in your face and let you know what he wants, show you how to do it. That’s something that I’m very intrigued by.”
As a result of that intense coaching style, Jackson believes that Chavis will be able to get improved play from the Aggie defense this season.
The TCU coaching staff is another straightforward group. Jackson appreciates their honesty and willingness to tell him what he needs to do to prepare himself for his senior season.
“I loved it,” he said.
Jackson also has several upcoming visits planned, including an early April trip to Michigan, followed by Nebraska the next week and then LSU. Seeing multiple programs in the Southeast is a priority, including Arkansas, Auburn, Florida and Florida State, but he may not have the ability to take all those visits.
Ultimately, his comfort level with the coaches, community and players will help him narrow his list and then make his decision, but he’s being as patient with that part of the process as he is in waiting for offers in an effort to make the right choice. So he’ll take his official visits in the fall, but otherwise doesn’t have a timetable for a decision.
A consensus four-star prospect, Jackson is the No. 150 prospect, the No. 4 inside linebacker and the No. 21 player in Texas, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
