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Washington State picks up commitment from DE Brennan Jackson

By Stefanie Loh Seattle Times

Brennan Jackson, a defensive end from California who is ranked sixth in his position in the West Region by Scout.com, has committed to Washington State.

Scout.com recruiting analyst Greg Biggins broke the news Thursday afternoon.

Jackson, a 6-foot-4, 234-pound end from Great Oak High in Temecula, California, picked WSU over multiple offers from a list that included Arizona, Cal, Hawaii, San Diego State, Navy, Yale and Princeton.

“They just were the right fit for me and it felt like home,” Jackson told the Seattle Times on Thursday. “After a long discussion with my childhood coach and my family, it felt like the right decision. I’m extremely blessed. This was not an easy decision.”

Jackson visited WSU in the spring and told Scout.com’s Biggins after his visit that he had an “incredible experience” in Pullman.

“There was a definite urge to commit while I was out there but I’m not ready to do it just yet, I don’t want to rush it. Saying that, Washington State is definitely my top choice and I loved it out there,” Jackson told Biggins.

Jackson was mainly recruited by WSU inside linebackers coach Ken Wilson. He said on Thursday that he loved the family atmosphere at WSU and really enjoyed meeting all the coaches and players. He’s friends with cornerback Darrien Molton’s little brother, who’s from the same area in California.

Jackson projects as a pass rushing defensive end in WSU defensive coordinator Alex Grinch’s “Speed D.” He holds a 3.96 GPA, and he visited Arizona, UNLV, USC, UCLA and San Diego State before committing to WSU.

Even though school is really important to him, Jackson said he elected to take the FBS football route instead of cashing in on one of his Ivy League offers because his dream is to play in the NFL.

“With Washington State’s scheme and philosophy, it seemed like the place that would take me to the next level,” said Jackson, who plans to major in business. “Their whole defense is called Speed D and I’m all about the speed rush. So that seemed like a good fit.”

According to his recruiting profile on the Next College Student Athlete recruiting service’s website, Jackson runs a 4.8-second 40-yard-dash and had 11 scholarship offers.

“I’ve been in love with the game of football ever since my first Pop Warner game back when I was 7 years old,” Jackson wrote in his profile. “After taking the field for my initial series as a defensive end, I immediately knew that this sport was different from any other. The hard work, dedication and attention to detail that comes with playing the game of football is truly unique. This game has done so much for me over the years and has given me the opportunity to experience many things. … Regardless of what happens at the next level, the experiences that this game has already given me will be with me for the rest of my life.”

Jackson is the ninth 2018 recruit to commit to WSU. He’s ranked a three-star recruit by Scout.com. Jackson had 10 sacks and 88 tackles, including 23 for loss, during his junior season at Great Oak High.