4-Star ATH Donte Jackson Will Be Future SEC Star, but Where Will He Play?

To say that making a decision has been tough on Louisiana star ATH Donte Jackson may be more of an understatement than many anticipate.

In a matter of hours, Jackson, one of the nation's top-ranked athletes, is expected to announce he will play college football in the SEC. And while he's down to LSU and Georgia as his top finalists, that's where everything turns extremely difficult.

Where does Jackson fit best? Truthfully, he'd be a major asset for both schools—which could be the real reason why the decision is such a difficult one.

With how everything is unfolding, it wouldn't be surprising if Jackson chose LSU over Georgia on Wednesday, Jan. 21. According to 247Sports.com, Jackson is projected to stay in state and play for Les Miles and Co. Baton Rouge is only a little more than an hour away from Jackson's home in New Orleans, and the idea of potentially playing in the secondary with 5-star cornerback Kevin Toliver II and 4-star CB Xavier Lewis—another Louisiana player—is intriguing. Additionally, with 16 commits, LSU will have plenty of room for him in its recruiting class.

Georgia fans would welcome Jackson with equally open arms, but the recruiting window of opportunity is a little smaller. The Bulldogs have 26 commitments, including seven who are already enrolled on campus. Jackson took an official visit to Georgia over the weekend and said it was productive, as his family got to see the campus and he spoke with Mark Richt and the Georgia coaching staff. Jackson, however, added that the smaller, college-town environment was something he'd have to acclimate himself to.

"It’s not really what I’m used to, but it was alright," Jackson told Sonny Shipp of Geaux247. "It was a good environment. I’m just used to a bigger city."

The good news for Georgia is that the visit was still enough to make Jackson's ultimate decision a head-scratcher. He is expected to announce around 11:30 a.m. ET at Riverdale High School. And Bulldogs fans should like the odds of getting the most recent official visit. However, Jackson, regardless of his decision, is scheduled to take an official visit to LSU this weekend.

It appears as though coaching staffs, facilities and playing time all are neck and neck between Georgia and LSU. Distance could be the X-factor in Jackson's decision. While LSU is a relatively quick drive from New Orleans, Athens is located more than seven hours away by car.

The fact that Jackson still wants to take his LSU official visit gives an idea of how high his interest is for the program. He's taken several unofficial visits since receiving the offer in May, and he has built a solid relationship with recruiting coordinator Frank Wilson, as well as secondary coach Corey Raymond. Although Jackson is fond of Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, the multiple trips to Baton Rouge have to score points in a recruiting race so close.

At 5'11" and 164 pounds, Jackson has a lot of upside to be used in a versatile capacity. In addition to lining up in the secondary, Jackson also could see time as a reliable special teams option. His hands and vision can make him a slot receiver if Miles or Richt choose to go that route.

Whichever school he decides, know that it's been a tough decision.

Also know that one school will be more than ecstatic to land him on Wednesday.