Lucedale (MS) defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson signs with Texas A&M

All roads in SEC territory seemed to lead to Lucedale (MS) and George County throughout the final month of the recruiting process as standout defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson‍ approached his Signing Day decision.

Texas A&M, Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Ole Miss and even Georgia grew really familiar with the surroundings of the South Mississippi town, but on Signing Day, Jackson made his announcement and then he made it official as he signed the papers. He is headed to Texas A&M.

That 6-foot-2, 320-pound defensive tackle has been high on the Aggies throughout the process, and one big reason has been Texas A&M defensive line coach Elijah Robinson.

“Coach Elijah Robinson, he’s an honest guy and kept it real with me,” Jackson said early in his recruiting process. “I like the way he’s developed players. He’s had players who came from nothing and made them something. So, I like his style. He could make me a better man and a better player on the next level.”

Of course, head coach Jimbo Fisher has also played a big role.

“He’s an exciting guy first of all,” Jackson said at the All-American Bowl in January. “He knows how to win. A&M is not bad at all and he’s building the team right now and I could take my chances on them.”

He also bonded with guys like Chris Morris‍ and Donell Harris‍ throughout the recruiting process.

“See I met those guys beforehand, but seeing them at A&M helped steadily build on the bond,” Jackson said in January. “We’re all from different areas. We’re not from Texas. Like Donell is from Florida, Chris is from Tennessee and we all came together and built a relationship there in College Station. It’s crazy. Different backgrounds coming to one spot.”

Over the course of the process, Jackson grew familiar with all the program had to offer. He made spring visits, he attended the Aggies’ July BBQ, he attended games, and he made Texas A&M his final official visit on the weekend before National Signing Day.

In the end, he chose the Aggies over Alabama, LSU, Auburn and Ole Miss, and he became the 25th member of Texas A&M’s 2020 recruiting class.

As a senior, Jackson recorded 76 tackles, 37 TFLs, and 10 sacks on his way to earning Mississippi 6A Mr. Football, Team Mississippi MVP honors in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game, and being named to the All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

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