Recruiting
Pasco back Leon Jackson commits to Nebraska

By René Ferrán
Tri-City Herald

E-mail this article Print this article Search archive Most read articles Most e-mailed articles

PASCO — Leon Jackson, Pasco High School's senior running back, confirmed yesterday that he has verbally committed to play football for the University of Nebraska.

Jackson made his official recruiting visit last weekend and told Cornhuskers coaches of his decision soon after returning from Lincoln, Neb.

Expanded preps coverage online State preps report Check here for daily news and notes from around the state. Prep football extra Look at key matchups around the state each week. Check leaderboards. Review 2002 and 2003 season archives, including all-time state champs. Preps extra Year-to-year high-school sports archives. Other features: State football scores and Seattle Times rankings Friday Night Lights live Webcasts provide text-driven commentary on select games.

Now comes the tough part — fending off rival coaches who hope to dissuade Jackson from his decision between now and letter-of-intent signing day Feb. 2.

"The (University of Washington) coaches talked to my dad last night trying to convince him to get me to change my mind," Jackson said. "And the OSU (Oregon State) coaches were disappointed."

Jackson had visits scheduled this month to Oregon and Oregon State.

A big factor in his decision, Jackson said, was that he would play running back at Nebraska. Jackson, averaging 17.4 yards per carry with 557 yards and eight touchdowns in Pasco's first four games, also plays defensive back.

"That was the biggest thing. They respected that I want to play running back and recruited me as a running back," said Jackson, who still needs a qualifying score on either the SAT or ACT to be eligible to play as a freshman.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

E-mail this article

Print this article

Search archive

More sports headlines...