Octavius Jackson to decide Friday

Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County offensive lineman Octavius Jackson has flown under the radar for the most part of the recruiting process.

That all changed when Florida offered Jackson a scholarship this week.

“I talked to coach (Will) Muschamp,” Jackson said. “He told me he was offering me a full scholarship to attend Florida. That was a big offer to me and one that opened up a lot of doors for me and my family.”

The 6-foot-4, 295-pound Jackson is already ready to make a verbal commitment and that will happen on Friday.

“I’m going to decide (Friday) at noon,” Jackson said. “I’ll decide between Florida and Vanderbilt. I haven’t made a final decision yet. Me and my family will talk (Thursday night) and make that decision.”

Vanderbilt was one of the first programs to recruit Jackson and that is something he notices.

“Coach (James) Franklin was one of the first coaches to offer,” Jackson said. “I have a good relationship with coach Franklin and they have a great school at Vanderbilt. I talk to them often.”

Jackson said that Florida is pretty much the same to him.

“I have a good relationship with Coach Muschamp and his staff at Florida,” Jackson said. “They have a good program and are a great school just like Vanderbilt. Florida is only two hours away from home, so I can go home to family when I have off time.”

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.