Five things: Why Kansas State is taking a chance on Martel Jackson

1.) The first commit of what could be a big month of June for Kansas State came from Derby High cornerback Martel Jackson. Nobody thought he’d be the fourth verbal pledge of the class, but he jumped at the chance. Receiver Adonis Moise has already followed, and others to watch include cornerbacks Cameron Jamerson and Sammy Etienne, safeties Leo Almanza, Dominic Mitchell and Jayden Bradley, offensive lineman Andrew Williams, receiver Gio Richardson and linebacker Maguire Richman.

2.) Jackson was actually offered at the first K-State camp of the cycle. He just wasted little time in making a decision. He had worked hard for the opportunity and was not going to let the moment pass by once it was in his grasp. Some are interested in seeking plenty more chances or options. Instead, Jackson shut it down immediately once he grabbed his first chance. It is a bit reflective of a similar profile and relationship the Wildcats had with Jacob Parrish as a recruit. However, the two sides turned that recruitment into more of a marathon, and they are different body types. For Jackson, it was more of a sprint.

3.) A long-discussed subject has been how much Kansas State has struggled with prospects that hail from Derby High School, which is an elite 6A football program that has churned out several Power Four prospects. Next to none have picked the Wildcats, though. But it hasn’t been for a lack of trying. Could K-State begin to turn that trend? Not only is Jackson headed to Manhattan but remember Dylan Edwards is now wearing purple as well.

4.) He is an example of someone with the special traits to be a really good football player. Jackson is not the football player they want him to be, yet. But he has the potential and the raw, physical traits to turn himself into that if he continues to chip away at it, grinds hard and allows himself to be coachable. He’s 6-foot-2, has a 100-meter dash rep timed at 10.6 seconds and also finished third at the state meet in the 200-meter dash. Upon being offered by the Wildcats, others wanted him to camp as well so they could see him perform in person. Instead, he just visited Manhattan and committed to Kansas State.

5.) Playing time likely won’t come early until he rounds out his game and learns how to play it at a high level. His speed and physical traits could allow him to have an early role on special teams if he buys into it. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be a starting K-State cornerback at some point in his career even if he has to wait a bit.

The post Five things: Why Kansas State is taking a chance on Martel Jackson appeared first on On3.