South Carolina football making a push for this standout local linebacker
Jackson Ross is taking a break from playing soccer this spring to get stronger in the weight room and focus more intently on his football recruitment.
The Hammond linebacker visited Texas Tech over the weekend and was at South Carolina practice on Wednesday. It was his first trip to the Gamecocks since Jan. 31 when he attended the program’s Junior Day.
South Carolina offered Ross a scholarship on Jan. 6 and Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer and defensive coordinator Clayton White also visited him at his school this spring.
During the part of Wednesday’s practice open to the media, Ross and his father, David, talked with USC head coach Shane Beamer, tight ends coach Shawn Elliott and defensive player personnel assistant Dru Lindler.
“The visit to USC was great,” Ross told The State. “I really feel like a priority in that building. The people are great, and I can tell I would be a great fit with them. I got to meet with some coaches as well as sit in on some position and team meetings.”
South Carolina connections
Ross’ family has a connection to Gamecock athletics. Jackson’s father, David, played for the USC hoops program from 1997-2001 and is currently the Skyhawks’ head basketball coach.
The Gamecocks have one of Ross’ former Hammond teammates on the roster in tight end Mike Tyler and other Skyhawks players Alex Huntley, Jordan Burch and Bradley Dunn have recently played at USC, although Burch finished his career at Oregon. Huntley is in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins.
Jackson Ross also has a connection through Hammond head coach Jon Wheeler with the Texas Tech program. Wheeler coached with Red Raider defensive coach Shiel Wood and assistants Rob Greene and Jack Teachey when they were at Wofford.
The Red Raiders are coming off one of the best seasons in school history and made it to the College Football Playoffs.
“Their system is very familiar,” Ross said.
What schools are on Jackson Ross’ list?
South Carolina, Texas Tech and Vanderbilt are at the top of Ross’ list and will get official visits from him in June. After those visits wrap up, he said he will probably make his choice.
North Carolina and Duke continue to show interest.
“I will be making my decision in that late June to early July range,” Ross said.
Ross, who’s 6-foot-3, is ranked as a three-star prospect and had 102 tackles (22 for loss), eight sacks, eight QB pressures, and eight pass breakups this past season. He also caught six touchdown passes as a tight end on offense and helped out as a kicker, hitting the game-winning field goal against Heathwood Hall.
As a sophomore, Ross had 134 tackles (14 for loss), 12.5 sacks, six pass breakups, two interceptions, 17 quarterback pressures and scored three defensive touchdowns.
Ross also had a big season in basketball this year. He was SCISA 1-4A Co-Player of Year and averaged 25 points 8.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks per game.
