Dontavious Jackson to FSU: Seminoles Land 4-Star LB Prospect

Class of 2016 4-star inside linebacker Dontavious Jackson committed to Florida State on Wednesday, per Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com.

Jackson is ranked as the 90th-best prospect in the nation, the fourth-best linebacker prospect in the nation and No. 13 out of all recruits coming out of Texas, according to 247Sports.

The 6'2", 239-pound linebacker holds solid athleticism at the position, but what is most impressive about him is his ability to identify a play, exhibit enough patience to make his move and execute his plan of attack. 

He's quick enough to catch some of the most elusive runners and strong enough to throw them around like rag dolls. With that kind of skill set, it wasn't a surprise seeing him compete at the Under Armour All-America Game.   

There were questions about whether the Alief Elsik High School (Texas) standout was willing to leave the state for college. He made it clear leading up to signing day that he'd listen to any opportunity, as noted by Drew Champlin of AL.com.

"Everybody asks me this question and I tell them about a million times—distance is not going to play a role in my decision at all," Jackson said.

That allowed FSU to swoop in and secure his commitment despite prior interest from other top programs, including Alabama and Ohio State and in-state options like TCU and Texas, per 247Sports.

There should be playing time available for Jackson in the near future if he's able to impress the coaching staff right out of the gate. The Seminoles are losing two seniors from the linebacker level—Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup—and have limited depth and experience behind them.

That doesn't mean Jackson will immediately become an every-down player, but it does make for a clearer path to playing time. And as one of the top inside linebackers in the class, he can arrive to campus with an eye on forcing his way into the lineup as quickly as possible.

Jackson will be an added boost to Florida State's run defense, and if he is able to develop his ability to pressure the passer, he is going to be a well-rounded force over time for the Seminoles defense.