FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas was the first Power 5 program to extend a scholarship offer to highly regarded defensive lineman Enoch Jackson Jr., and it’s something he won’t forget.
“They were the first team to show me love, so of course they have a special place in my heart,” Jackson said.
Jackson, 6-1, 270, of Mansfield (Texas) Mansfield Legacy received the offer from the Hogs on Jan. 22 and has since added offers from Florida, Oklahoma State, Iowa, Kansas State, Missouri and others.
He along with teammate and defensive lineman Taurean Carter visited Fayetteville on Saturday.
“It was a great campus,” Jackson said. “I liked what they had to offer. The weight room was big and spacious, which I like that. They know what they're doing whether they want you to either gain or lose weight.”
Jackson recorded 53 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries and 2 recovered fumbles as a junior. He said the visit helped the Hogs’ chances for him.
“It definitely increases,” Jackson said.
He said the tour of the campus was the best part of the visit.
“They took us to the stadium, and then they took us around the town, and they showed us literally everything they had to offer,” Jackson said.
Another trip to Fayetteville is likely.
“I’ll be back sometime during the spring to see a couple of practices and see how they actually coach the kids and the different positions,” Jackson said.
Arkansas is also recruiting Jackson’s teammate and highly recruited safety Jalen Catalon. Jackson said he’ll urge Catalon to check out the Hogs.
“I’m going to tell him he needs to come back and see it with us."
Jackson, who has a 3.5 grade point average, wants to stay in football in the future.
“I want to become a coach after I’m done playing ball,” Jackson said.