Blue-Grey Recruit Watch: Taylor Jackson

Navy commit Taylor Jackson (far right) participated in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl at Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium.

When it comes someone who recently competed in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl and is a good representation of what the brand is all about, perhaps no one is more worthy of acknowledgment than Taylor Jackson.

Not only will he play in college after lining up for the West team during the game in Dallas (Tex.), at the home of the Cowboys back on Dec. 22, Jackson will also serve our beloved country after accepting a scholarship to Navy.

Keep in mind, the wide receiver in the Class of 2014 from Texarkana (Tex.) had options in terms of playing at the next level. Jackson started to emerge as a hot commodity after an appearance in the All-American Bowl.

Schools from the SEC were interested in the 6-foot-3 and 195-pounder, including Arkansas, Missouri and Texas A&M. Programs from the Big 12 Conference, such as Baylor and Oklahoma, also reached out to him.

“After the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl, I received more attention from colleges, playing in that game changed things for me, gave me more exposure, that’s part of the reason why I ended up at Navy and I’m excited about the future,” Jackson said.

Nevertheless, the Midshipmen proved to be the best possible fit. Both on and off the field. Signs point to Jackson thinking about a future at Navy, and then, his other potential suitors no longer mattered in the whole grand scheme of things.

Playing on a loaded roster for the West in a 41-7 win over the East in Dallas, Jackson made an impact at the same position as Hawaii commit Devan Stubblefield, Rice commit James Mayden and Eastern Illinois commit Jake Whittenburg.

“Taylor went out there and did his thing, he held his own against some of the top players in the country, and he’ll do the same against the nation’s best at the next level” said Mark McMillian, coach of the West during the game in the Lone Star State.

With several coaches and scouts watching things from on the sidelines, Cal commit Luke Rubenzer and Colorado State commit Coleman Key often times threw the ball in the direction of Jackson, also wisely handed the ball off to Cal commit Vic Enwere.

Despite the abundance of skilled recruits surrounding him, Jackson managed to make his presence felt at Blue-Grey All-American Bowl and there is no doubt about the fact that his effort helped to secure an all-important scholarship to Navy.