It isn't often that a trip to the beach is the second-biggest event in a teenager's day, but that was the case Tuesday afternoon for Calvin Jackson. Red Bank's star athlete publicly committed to the Wofford College football program just before he and his family left for vacation.
"I was pretty sure of my decision before I went to bed last night," Jackson said Tuesday. "But then after talking it over with my mom and dad, I knew Wofford was the right choice for me. My parents always say it's tough to read me because I don't show a lot of emotion, but this was one time I couldn't hide how excited I was.
"I just wanted to go ahead and let everyone know that's where I will be going to college and continuing to play football. Now when we get back that decision has been made, and I can just concentrate on my senior season."
Jackson, a two-time all-state honoree, announced his commitment Tuesday afternoon on Twitter, after having visited the Spartanburg, South Carolina, campus last weekend. He was a state Mr. Football semifinalist last season and is a two-time Region 3-3A player of the year.
He chose Wofford over Appalachian State, Austin Peay and Kennesaw State.
"I had already visited the campus and knew I liked the school, but while I was there last weekend I really got to spend time with the coaches and get to know them," Jackson added. "I feel like I have a good relationship with their staff, and they definitely made me feel very wanted there."
Jackson has been extremely versatile for the Lions, having played receiver, running back and quarterback the past two seasons. Last year he had 1,070 receiving yards, 869 rushing yards and 32 total touchdowns, and as a sophomore he threw for 887 yards, ran for 1,163 and totaled 23 TDs.
"I know from talking with their coaches that they plan to use him similar to what he's done here," Red Bank coach Chris Brown said. "He'll probably play some slot receiver and in the backfield, just so they can get the ball in his hands in numerous ways.
"The most exciting part about Calvin to me is what type young man he is. He's an honors student who represents his family and Red Bank High School very well."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.