Sparta High School senior Darius Jackson has chosen to take his talents to Eastern Michigan University to play football and possibly baseball.
Jackson, a two-sport standout at Sparta chose EMU football over other Division I schools like Northern Illinois and Minnesota.
“Eastern Michigan feels like a good fit,” said Jackson. “They are headed in the right direction. I enjoy the campus and the area.”
Just getting a Division I scholarship to play football is something Jackson can be proud of. Less than one percent of all high school football players receive Division I scholarships.
“I am honored and blessed to have this opportunity,” said Jackson. “ I have worked hard for this. The opportunity to play right away is there and I also get a chance to play baseball, as well.”
While Jackson is not sure what position he will play in college, Eastern Michigan coach Ron English knows potential when he sees it.
“I have put six players into the NFL and none of them have the athleticism that Darius Jackson has,” said English.
“Darius has his best football ahead of him, “ said former Sparta football coach Edmund Jones. “He is smart, hungry and an exceptional athlete.
Jackson ran for more than 1,000 yards his senior season while being asked to play numerous positions for the 0-9 Bulldogs.
This summer, Jackson was one of 12 players selected by the St. Louis Rams to represent the franchise at the NFL National 7-on-7 Tournament in Cleveland.
Darius is the son of Sandy Jackson of Sparta and the grandson of Steve and Wanda Walker of Sparta.