Arkansas signed offensive lineman Denver Kirkland in February and now the Hogs are after his cousin, defensive end Demetrius Jackson from the same high school. He plans to officially visit Fayetteville Dec. 13-15.
“It seems like a different place,” said Jackson of Arkansas. “I can tell the people are respectful, kind and genuine. I probably want to be in a whole new atmosphere.”
Jackson, 6-4, 225, 4.6 seconds in the 40 yard dash, of Miami Washington High School is committed to Miami, but received his first scholarship offer from Arkansas during the spring after linebackers coach Randy Shannon saw him in action. Video highlight CLICK HERE
Since the Razorback offer, he’s added the Hurricanes, Louisville, Florida International and Central Missouri to his list of offers. The Hogs are triple teaming Jackson with Coach Bret Bielema, defensive line coach Partridge and Shannon.
“It’s a blessing, because I don’t take anything for granted,” Jackson said. “It’s just a blessing.You know they want you and they’re interested in you when you have three coaches coming at you. I’m grateful and it’s been great so far.”
He and Kirkland talk on a regular basis and the conversation is positive about the Hogs.
“He loves Arkansas, he tells me about it everyday,” Jackson said. “He loves it. He’s been telling me about some of the games they’ve come up short. He said it’s going to get better. When you’re rebuilding a program it’s going to be like that in the beginning. I see a bright future.”
Jackson said Arkansas presents a great opportunity for him and Kirkland to be reunited on and off the field.
“The same blood from the same neighborhood, the same high school,” he said. “That would be an opportunity to practice with him everyday and play with him. To share blood on the field that would be a great opportunity. It’s nothing like going to war with your brother.”
Jackson, who likes to work with kids and wants to continue to do on the college level, admires his cousin’s humble attitude.
“He came out of high school as a 4-star and one of the top offensive linemen in the nation,” Jackson said. “He doesn’t get big headed. He’s a very humble dude and he understands where he’s from. He doesn’t take anything for granted. He puts in work day in and day out on the field and off the field.”