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          On The Trail

          UA jersey tour: Dontavious Jackson

          • Gerry Hamilton, ESPN Staff WriterOct 29, 2015, 07:20 PM
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            • National recruiting analyst
            • More than a decade covering recruiting, nationally and in Texas
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          HOUSTON -- Linebacker Dontavious Jackson was presented with an Under Armour All-America jersey on Thursday afternoon, in a ceremony presented by American Family Insurance attended by friends, teammates, family and members of the Alief Elsik High School faculty.

          For the ESPN 300 linebacker, playing in the Under Armour All-America Game is not only a dream come true, but a chance to carry on the tradition of top high school players from the state of Texas playing in the prestigi0us game.

          “It’s been a dream of mine since I was very young,” said Jackson. “Last year watching all the guys I looked up to like Damarcus Lodge, Soso [Jamabo], Kyler Murray, Malik Jefferson and all those guys -- watching them get their jerseys and play in the game was very influential in my decision to play in the game. That made me even more excited for my ceremony and opportunity to play in the game.”

          “Putting my school on the map is big. I’m just trying to make a name for Alief Elsik. All this didn’t really click with me that all this could happen until after my junior season. Coming from Alief, we really don’t have those big national recruits. And when we do, they don’t really get that Under Armour All-America recognition. This is big for the school.”

          The No. 159-ranked prospect in the 2016 class is working on trimming a list that was initially cut down to 12 in late July.

          “I’m breaking my list down. The last time I released a list I had a top 12, but now I’m pretty much at a top six or seven. I’m not prepared to give those out yet. I kind of like the suspense!”

          Two of the schools, Florida State and UCLA, are known given that official visits have already. A third is also known, the Michigan Wolverines.

          “I’ve been to FSU and UCLA. I have a Michigan official visit when they play Ohio State November 28. I have a couple of others lined up to take official visits, but I don’t have the dates locked in yet,”

          Along with Michigan, Florida State and UCLA, Jackson's top 12 in July included Texas, Oklahoma, LSU, Notre Dame, TCU, Miami, Ole Miss, Notre Dame and Fresno State.

          As the list dwindles and a national signing day announcement inches closer, a few key factors will weigh heavily on Jackson’s mind.

          “Really, being comfortable with the coaching staff and players at the school. Making sure I can adapt to the environment already there with the players, and just the community. The people around the campus who will I be taking classes with, the professors, tutors and stuff like that. The small details. When I first started the recruiting process, I wanted to get away. As I grew mature, the distance doesn’t matter. It’s all about where I fit best.”

          Seven questions with Dontavious Jackson:

          What player are you looking forward to competing with or against in the Under Armour All-America Game?

          That’s a tough one. At linebacker, I definitely want to compete with Rahshaun Smith and Jeffrey McCulloch. Those are my boys and I definitely want to compete with them. I just want to get after it.

          If you could start a team with any player in your class, who would it be and why?

          I got to say Rashan Gary. To have a great defense, it starts with the defensive front. If you aren’t getting pressure or stuffing the run, you can’t really do anything. He’s a dominant force, so you have to start a team with him.

          What is your earliest football memory?

          My first touchdowns when I was playing flag football. I think I was seven years old. I remember jumping over somebody, and taking it down the sideline. I got tired and almost got caught about the 15 [-yard line], but I got in. It was raining also.

          If you could take on any pro in their sport, who would it be and why?

          Ronda Rousey. She’s beautiful. I just want to look at her. I don’t care if she knocks me out.

          What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

          I can act. I’ve been in advanced theatre since the 7th grade. I’ve been in plays and stuff like that. That’s just one of my talents that I have kept under the radar.