Link
Grand Ledge's Jackson opts for Ohio State
Comets' star makes college choice
Geoff Kimmerly ? Lansing State Journal ? May 13, 2008 ? From Lansing State Journal
James Jackson journeyed as far as California to make sure.
But ever since an unofficial visit to Ohio State in March, the Grand Ledge junior speedster knew he wanted to be a Buckeye.
On Monday, he made it official. Jackson verbally committed to Ohio State, picking the Buckeyes over UCLA, Michigan State, Michigan and Iowa among others.
Although Jackson missed parts of last fall with injuries, he remains one of the state's fastest players when healthy and expects to play receiver in college. He's played that as well as running back and cornerback for the Comets.
"You can ask my dad, you can ask my coach, but (Ohio State) never really left me since the first day," Jackson said. "They can put me in a position to win and the best situation to go to the next level."
Jackson is ranked the fifth-best junior in Michigan and 185th nationally by recruiting service Rivals.com. He is ranked fourth and 148th, respectively, by Scout.com.
A left hamstring injury has kept Jackson from running much this spring track season after he won the Division 1 state meet 100-meter race in 10.94 seconds as a sophomore. He came back to set Grand Ledge's 400 record in 49.3 seconds a week ago, then re-aggravated the injury Saturday in his second time running the 100 this season.
He will try to run again at Saturday's regional.
He's grown about a half-inch and gained eight pounds since last fall to get to 5-11 1/2 and 178, respectively.
Cont....