Donte Jackson to LSU: Tigers Land 4-Star ATH Prospect

No one can quite figure out just yet what position Donte Jackson will play at the next level. After Wednesday, at least we know where he'll do it.

The 4-star athlete announced his intention to attend LSU, choosing the Tigers over Georgia, Oregon and a bevy of other high-profile programs, as Bleacher Report's Tyler Donohue shared:

“I like all the coaches,” Jackson told Scout.com of LSU. “Every coach is cool. Every coach acts as if they’re my lead recruiter every time I go up there. Every coach is real genuine. Even the offensive line coach knows the stress and need of playmakers, so they don’t shy away from getting me in their office.”

A Riverdale High School product, Jackson had been connected most with Georgia and LSU throughout his recruitment. 247Sports' Crystal Ball projections had him as a favorite to land with the Tigers, with the Bulldogs and Ducks the next likely programs, respectively.

Jackson has also seen himself slowly rise up recruiting rankings for most of the summer. After ranking outside 247Sports' Top 300 after his junior season, impressive showings at The Opening and LSU camps saw him change perception. He's now No. 56 overall in the 247Sports composite rankings, third among athletes and third in the state of Louisiana.

And that's all without anyone being 100 percent on his ultimate position.   

Jackson, listed at 5'11" and 164 pounds, is one of the shiftiest athletes and most explosive playmakers in this class. He's a dynamite return man who can turn on the jets in space and, if put on the offensive side of the ball, might wind up excelling as a third-down style running back. He catches the ball well out of the backfield and can get to the second level in the blink of an eye. Sending him out as a slot receiver is also a distinct possibility, as that's his high school position. 

That said, Jackson could be truly dynamic as a cornerback if given time to develop. His size limitations at either offensive position are not as much of a problem at corner, where his lateral quickness and ability to break on the ball could make him a lockdown threat. 

Where he ultimately plays is a decision that will be left up to head coach Les Miles. The decision is not without import, as Jackson's "athlete" distinction also represents his relative rawness as a player. He uses his speed and quickness to blow by players at the prep level, a luxury he won't be afforded in the SEC.

Getting into a rhythm at one position and developing him there will be key to unlocking his full potential. History is littered with elite prospects with physical tools who never found their on-field niche. It'll be incumbent on the coaching staff and Jackson to create a plan early.

With his senior year in the rearview, though, there's still plenty of time to get it all worked out. For now, the Tigers can sit back and laud their latest high-profile signing. 

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