Home News Recent News LSU courting South Carolina kicker
LSU courting South Carolina kicker
Written by Chris Sailer
Tuesday, 21 June 2005 16:00
By Mike Scarborough
TigerBait.com
 
The LSU coaching staff has been keeping their eyes open for a top-flight place-kicker to be signed in the Tigers 2006 recruiting class. One such prospect isRichard Jackson of Riverside High School in Greer, South Carolina.
 
Jackson (5-11, 185) is considered to be one of the nation's top kicking prospects and he has a scholarship offer from Les Miles. He went 8-for-11 on field goal attempts last season with a long of 50-yards. He is also a more than capable punter with a 44-yard average.
 
It is rare for kickers to receive early scholarship offers in the quantity that Jackson has so far. Along with LSU, he has been extended offers from Maryland, Texas A&M, Clemson and Georgia.
 
"It's been an honor," Jackson said.
 
LSU defensive backs coach Doug Mallory is recruiting Jackson but he has been talking the most with special teams coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto.
 
Two weeks ago, Jackson was in Baton Rouge for an unofficial visit that lasted for almost two days.
 
"It went well, I enjoyed it," Jackson said. "Everything was impressive and the coaching staff was just incredible. I really enjoyed my time with them.
 
Jackson got to talk with Les Miles a good bit during his stay.
 
"He is pretty upbeat, I liked him a lot," Jackson said. "He seems like a real good and first class guy."
 
On the unofficial visit, Jackson was accompanied by his mother and father who both graduated from Clemson.
 
"I've been to quite a few games and it's not too far away," Jackson said.
 
The South Carolina native was asked if he had a favorite school, "Not really, I really haven't ranked them yet."
 
Don't look for Jackson to prolong the recruiting process. He wants to enjoy his senior year without that distraction.
 
"I was hoping I could make an early commitment to tell you the truth," Jackson said. "I don't want to give the impression that I want to rush things but If I can make it early I would like to."
 
Certainly one would think that the parental ties and the campus being 45 minutes from home would favor Clemson.
 
"Not necessarily, I am trying to be real open-minded when it comes to this decision," Jackson said. "Growing up going to a few Clemson games, I enjoyed it but I want to find the best fit as far as academics and the overall environment."
 
Jackson is a very good student with a 3.56 GPA, 1210 on the SAT and a 27 on the ACT.
< Prev   Next >
Last Updated ( Saturday, 28 November 2009 18:02 )