Auburn working its way up Jackson's list

MONTGOMERY | Alec Jackson will not make his college choice in haste. The defensive lineman from Jeff Davis in Montgomery plans to take three more official visits, all in January, before announcing his decision on Signing day.

Jackson will visit Auburn Jan. 13-15, Florida Jan. 20-22 and Ole Miss Jan. 27-29. He already has visited Southern Cal, which has the Trojans currently atop Jackson’s list of favorites.

“Since I went on my official there, it’s USC that stands out right now,” Jackson said. “I really clicked with the people there.”

Auburn, however, is working its way up Jackson’s list. The Tigers have increased their interest and it has been well-received by Jackson.

“Auburn has started picking it up with me,” Jackson said. “They have a great defense, and also the best defensive line and best d-line coach in the country. To know that (Rodney Garner) wants me, it feels great.”

Garner and Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele both made an in-home visit with Jackson and Jackson’s mother, Teresa Lee, on Sunday.

“They explained to my mom how everything works,” Jackson said. “They told her all about financial aid and all that comes with the scholarship. She really liked them because she’s an Auburn fan.”

So is Jackson. His and his mother’s lifelong allegiance, however, won’t factor too much into his college choice.

“She’s not pressuring me to go to Auburn or any other school,” Jackson said. “She wants me to go wherever I’m happy.”

And it would be a bonus if his choice is Auburn.

“It’s real important for me to have the chance to play for my favorite team,” Jackson said. “I’m looking at will I fit comfortably there? Will I fit with the players and coaches?”

Jackson believes he would.

“I like everything about Auburn,” he said.

Jackson, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 265 pounds, recorded 60 tackles, six sacks, six quarterback hurries and one forced fumble as a senior.