Ty Jackson, nation’s No. 1 linebacker, looking forward to FSU official visit

The recruitment for the nation’s No. 1 linebacker has slowly taken shape, but now it’s going to get very busy for four-star Florida State target Ty Jackson.

Jackson, who stars at Seminole Ridge High in Palm Beach County, hasn’t given many hints about his leaders, other than dropping a top 10 list during the spring. But with upcoming visits to FSU, Georgia, Penn State and Tennessee, the picture should start becoming clearer.

Jackson spoke with Warchant about Florida State and his recruitment at the On3 Elite Series this week in Nashville. And he said the opportunity to play for linebackers coach Randy Shannon is a major draw for FSU.

“We have had a great relationship,” Jackson said of the Seminoles. “I’ve been in contact with FSU for a few years, since middle school. Of course being close to home is always a factor. Mom [is] an alumni. But really Shannon — great relationship with Shannon and being coached by Shannon to get me right.”

The ultra-productive linebacker, who has already broken school records at Seminole Ridge and racked up 378 tackles in his first three seasons, said he has been impressed by Florida State’s improvement on the field over the past few seasons under head coach Mike Norvell.

But he said the biggest thing he’s looking for in a college program is where he can be best developed.

“Still learning as I go,” Jackson said. “Development — the right way. Being able to get coached. Being hard on me. Don’t take it easy.”

With that approach being a calling card of Norvell’s, the linebacker could be a perfect fit for the culture at Florida State.

“He’s going to bring great energy to the team,” Jackson said. “If I’m tired and I want to go out, he’s going to bring energy and I’ll want to keep working.”

Jackson hasn’t visited Florida State since this past fall, but that will change when he takes an official visit to Tallahassee on June 14. The four-star recruit, who is rated No. 1 at linebacker by On3 and No. 6 in the composite Industry Ranking, said his family will be joining him on his trip to FSU.

So, what is the talented defender looking for from the Seminoles?

“One of the factors on these OVs is really to meet with the players, get a great feel for them and see how they like the atmosphere,” Jackson said. “Seeing their [view] on how it is.”

The 6-foot-1.5, 205-pounder plans to make his decision in the fall, and he hopes to see some of his top schools in action, including Florida State.

“Really want to see who is with me all the way, not just giving up on me,” Jackson said. “Who really wants me as well.”

**My thoughts on Jackson & FSU**

This is clearly a recruitment where it’s difficult to project a leader. I do think FSU has work to do since he has not visited the ‘Noles since last year. The fact that he’s coming for an official visit in June and plans to attend a game this fall is a good sign, however. Right now, I think Georgia, Penn State and FSU are the key contenders, with the Bulldogs maybe being the biggest competition. Shannon’s reputation with developing linebackers clearly means a lot to Jackson, but it’s too early to have a strong feel for where this one is headed.

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