CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- ESPN 300 defensive end Mark Jackson had dreamed of being invited to The Opening and experiencing Nike World Headquarters for a few years. He wanted the invite to the prestigious event so badly that he made the trip all the way from the San Antonio area to Charlotte this weekend for The Opening regional.

"I just came out here to Get Open," said Jackson. "I had transportation issues and an injury so I wasn't able to get to the Dallas regional. I came out here to grind and show the coaches how much I wanted to Get Open."

Jackson can now place a big check mark next to one of his ultimate goals as a high school football player, having earned an invitation to Portland in July.