It’s official: West Greene’s Jackson commits to play football at Army
West Greene senior Benjamin Jackson officially commits to Army at West Greene High School on Wednesday. Seated are BreAnn Jackson (sister), Crystal Jackson (mother), Benjamin Jackson, Brian Jackson (father) and Brian Andrew Jackson (brother). Standing are Jackson鈥檚 football coaches throughout the years, (from left) Beau Jackson (brother), Brian Hanson, Rod Huffman, Ben Brudnock and Eric Bedilion. (Photo by Rob Burchianti)
West Greene senior Benjamin Jackson makes it official as he signs an appointment to West Point on Dec. 18 while his parents, Crystal and Brian, and younger brother Brian Andrew look on. (Photo by Rob Burchianti)
ROGERSVILLE 鈥� Benjamin Jackson sat down at a table with family, coaches and friends last Wednesday afternoon, took pen in hand and made it official.
The West Greene senior signed his certificate of commitment used by the service academies to play NCAA Division-I football at Army.
鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely a big relief,鈥� said the WPIAL鈥檚 third all-time leading rusher (7,105 yards) and single-season rushing champion (3,079 yards). 鈥淚t鈥檚 something that鈥檚 been on my mind and in my heart for a very long time. I鈥檝e prayed about it at nights. I鈥檝e talked to my parents since the beginning of the season.鈥�
Jackson helped lead the Pioneers to three straight playoff appearances, back-to-back conference championships and a postseason victory for the first time since 1993.
Jackson had many family members on hand, including his father Brian, mother Crystal, brothers Beau and Brian Andrew and sister BreAnn. He also invited his former football coaches over the years, including Beau, Brian Hanson, Rod Huffman, Ben Brudnock and Eric Bedilion.
Brian Jackson is thankful his son will be given a chance to compete in big-time college football.
鈥淲e always want to prepare our kids to play at the next level and that鈥檚 a big challenge,鈥� Brian said. 鈥淭he process has been long but it鈥檚 been very gratifying, to watch some of the things he did. We鈥檙e just thankful that he was given an opportunity to play at a place like Army.鈥�
Brian could sense his son was a cut above long ago.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a long journey, since he鈥檚 been in Little League,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 could tell from the beginning that he was different, he was a special player. Not just because he鈥檚 my son but because I could tell what kind of talent he had, and so could the guys that were around me.鈥�
Crystal has enjoyed witnessing not only Jackson but all his classmates through the years.
鈥淚鈥檝e watched these boys play ball since they鈥檝e been in kindergarten and have really enjoyed watching them grow and turn into young men,鈥� Crystal said. 鈥淎nd, I鈥檓 very excited for Benjamin to get this opportunity to further his career in a game that he loves in football.鈥�
Jackson, who obliterated the 缅北禁地 Touchdown Club record with 302 points to repeat as champion and set the WPIAL regular-season touchdown record with 50 in 2019, left a lasting impression on first-year head coach Hanson, who is thrilled to see his star player headed to West Point.
鈥淚t鈥檚 awesome to see because he鈥檚 so deserving of it,鈥� Hanson said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 worked really, really hard. And, it鈥檚 been a dream school for him.
鈥淏efore the whole recruiting process ever started he said he wanted to have an opportunity to serve in the military. So just to see a kid who鈥檚 put in all that work and dedication, and then to have the coaches at West Point recognize his talents and what kind of kid he is character-wise is a good feeling for me as a coach and for our whole school to see one of our own make it.鈥�
Jackson watched the Army-Navy football game on Saturday and saw the Black Knights fall, 31-7.
鈥淚t was always an exciting football game to me,鈥� Jackson said, 鈥渂ut now it takes on a whole new meaning.鈥�
After Wednesday鈥檚 signing, Jackson will get a chance to see next year鈥檚 game in person.