Wahoos land seventh in-state commitment in Roanoke’s James Jackson

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia picked up its 19th commitment for the Class of 2021 and its seventh commitment from inside the state on Sunday, when James Jackson of Roanoke’s North Cross School announced on Twitter that he was joining Bronco Mendenhall’s program.

Jackson is a 6-foot-3, 195-pound, 3-star athlete who chose Virginia over Stanford, West Virginia, Louisville, Wake Forest and Air Force. He is ranked the No. 115 athlete prospect in the country and No. 44 in the state of Virginia by 247Sports.

The Cavaliers extended a scholarship offer on June 11. He’s expected to play linebacker or safety at UVA.

As a wide receiver and pass-rushing outside linebacker, he helped the Raiders to an 11-1 record and the VISAA Division I state title in 2019 after transferring to North Cross a year earlier. For his efforts, Jackson earned first-team, all-state status.

#COMMITTED pic.twitter.com/FnPiPdvXYW

— JAMES (@jamesjacks0n) July 19, 2020

During his 20 varsity games over two seasons, Jackson recorded 42 receptions for 752 yards (17.9 ypc) and 13 touchdowns. Defensively, he posted 117 tackles (77 solo), including 13 for loss, 9 sacks and 10 QB hurries while picking off five passes, forcing two fumbles and recovering one.

He is coached at North Cross by Stephen Alexander and by defensive coordinator Shannon Taylor, a former UVA standout under George Welsh (1996-99).