Miami Lands A Raw Talent From Local Power House

Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington Sr. High DE Demetrius Jackson (6'4/215) has yet to play a down at the varsity football level. The break through recruit verbally committed to Arkansas last week, before changing his commitment to Miami on Friday.

"I'm excited to be a part of a tradition, a culture and a family," Jackson said.

The first three years of his high school career, Jackson was focused on just playing basketball. This past spring his family and friends persuaded him to give football a try. The multi sport athlete did play organized football until the eighth grade, but once high school came along he decided to drop it in pursuit of a basketball career.

"I decided to give it a chance," Jackson said. "A lot of people tell me don't sell myself short, just give a chance you never know what might happen. I listened to coach Ice (Tim Harris) and my family, and I gave it a chance. I came out of the situation blessed. Coach Ice, in my book he's a hall of fame coach, after the success the Booker T. program has had."

Booker T. Washington's spring game was his coming out party, tipping three passes, and also recovering a fumble. Jackson thrives when he uses the skills he developed on the hardwood. His quickness and leaping ability really set him apart from other defensive ends.

On what he thought his chances were to land an offer from Miami, Jackson said, "I didn't think so soon, but later in the season."

As of right now, Jackson holds three other offers, including the likes of Arkansas, Louisville and FIU.

Now that Jackson has found his college, he will try and help recruit some of his teammates to Miami as well.

"I'm going to try and convince them (his teammates)," Jackson said. "It'll be great to play with them, especially Chad Thomas."