DeMichael Jackson is known as a running back by most of the people close to the Jeffersontown High School football program, and the schools recruiting him could say the same thing.
While he also is being recruited to be a defensive back, everyone recognizes Jackson as a 2012 star on the offensive side of the ball.
But with his senior year approaching, the 5-foot-11 athlete is set to add another position to his resume:
“I’m going to play quarterback this season,” said a very excited Jackson. “I can’t wait to get out there and play.”
Jeffersontown has a big need for the most important position on the field, and Jackson thought it was best for him to step in and play quarterback.
“I’m switching because we don’t have anything at quarterback right now.”
“My coach and I sat down and talked about and we agreed quarterback was where I was needed.”
But he won’t be forced into the situation blind or anything. In fact, Jackson’s first primary position was at quarterback, a position he remembers playing very fondly.
“I always played quarterback for Junior-Varsity and running back for Varsity, so there isn’t going to be that many new things,” he explained. “I just have to get used to playing the position again.”
Jackson also has a good friend he can rely on to help him get back into a quarterback rhythm, a youngster many fans in the state of Kentucky know a lot about (good or bad): DaMarcus Smith.
“DaMarcus is like a big brother to me, and I’m sure if I need some help I’ll be able to ask him,” Jackson said.
Smith, a graduate of Louisville’s Seneca High, signed with Central Florida last year and should compete for a starting job as a Knight over the next couple of years.
Jackson has also started to really favor what the Knights have to offer, and he does admit Smith is one of the main reasons why UCF is his top team to this point.
“DaMarcus talks about UCF all the time and how nice it is. I’ve been to Orlando before, but I’ve never had a chance to take a visit to the campus or anything,” said an interested Jackson.
The speedster also has college coaches interested in what he will look like at quarterback this season.
“The coaches say they want to see the ball in my hands every play, and this helps a lot with that.”
The coaches have also said his changing of position won’t hurt his recruitment status, either.
“The coaches told me, ‘You’ll be fine. We know what you can do.’ I’m going by that.”
While many would expect Jackson to be a run-first quarterback, he denies such things:
“I can throw the ball pretty far. When they start noticing I can throw it, it will be harder for teams to lock-in on one specific type of play. We’re going to have an exciting offense,” he said proudly.
Defensive-stud Daniel Ross will assume the duties left vacant by Jackson at running back, another scary option for opposing coaches to game plan against.
“We’re going to have a good season. It’s going to be really fun,” said Jackson, chomping at the bit for August to approach.
It’s going to be an exciting football season for J-Town, so if you can catch a game or two, it wouldn’t be a bad decision. With versatility and speed, the Chargers are going to be a very competitive squad on the gridiron.
Follow DeMichael Jackson on Twitter [URL=”https://twitter.com/MrJackson02″]@MrJackson02[/URL]
Follow Garrett Tucker on Twitter [URL=”https://twitter.com/GTuckersports”]@GTuckersports[/URL] for more info on Kentucky recruiting.
