First year USC defensive line coach Tracy Rocker is in pursuit of one of the nation’s top defensive ends in Shambre Jackson (6-5 250) of Orlando, and he’s gotten the Gamecocks into his shortened list of 13. But Rocker and Will Muschamp will be going up against some of the national elite for Jackson who also has Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida State, LSU, Ohio State, Auburn, Florida, Southern Cal, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Miami on the short list.
“I like South Carolina, they offered like a couple of months ago and I talk to them every day and they send me stuff every day,” Jackson said. “I like them. They are cool people. Probably go there for a visit, maybe. I don’t know yet.”
Rocker, who was an All-American defensive tackle at Auburn and who is in the College Football Hall of Fame, can share some knowledge with Jackson about what it takes to excel at his position. Jackson is more than happy to listen.
“I’m a big defensive end,” Jackson said. “He said I’m very fast for a guy my size and I can strike well and stuff like that. I like going after the quarterback.”
Jackson had 14.5 sacks last season along with 56 tackles and 25 tackles for loss.
He also is hearing a lot from Alabama, Florida State, Auburn and LSU, and he had a social media session last week with Alabama coach Nick Saban. Jackson is not close on a decision but he has some things in mind he’ll be looking for in his choice.
“Education-wise obviously,” he said. “Look at which school has my major I want to go to. And how the colleges send how many defensive linemen to the league and stuff like that. The college that can develop NFL talent.”
Jackson is rated a four-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite and the #17 strongside defensive end prospect nationally.
