Pair of SEC schools courting New Orleans product Donte Jackson

As New Orleans standout Donte Jackson nears his decision date, two SEC schools are in his top three, frantically trying to land his services.

I will be making my college decision January 21st #LSU#UGA#USC stay tuned ??

— Donte’ Jackson♠️ (@Donte3_) December 17, 2014

Jackson, the third-rated player in the state of Louisiana and seventh-rated athlete in the country according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings, is expected to play cornerback for either LSU or Georgia, should he choose to play in the SEC.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Riverdale High School product was one of 16 players nominated for the U.S. Army All-American National Player of the Year, and he’ll compete in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 3.

Many recruiting analysts expect Jackson to remain in SEC country, with USC in the mix, but not really in the mix. According to 247Sports’ Crystal Ball Poll, 55 percent of people expect Jackson to choose the Bulldogs, with 40 percent selecting LSU.

Les Miles has been good at recruiting Louisiana and keeping top talent in-state, however, Georgia has missed on a few big defensive back targets this year and the Bulldogs could offer Jackson an opportunity to play right away.

Jackson boasts great speed and explosiveness playing running back and defensive back for Riverdale. The touted prospect will likely need reps and polishing at cornerback to play the position at a high level in the SEC, but he has a good ability to play the ball. Cover skills can be learned with time, but Jackson possesses the raw athleticism to play immediately.

Jackson has an official visit to LSU scheduled for Jan. 23.

But as his decision date nears, expect the Tigers and Bulldogs to fiercely pursue Jackson.

Jordan Cox

After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.