College classes start relatively soon for the class of 2010, but Justin Jackson still has a choice to make.
The former Digital Harbor combo guard, fresh off a successful set of performances at the inaugural Baltimore Summer League at Loyola, was all set to join Morgan State's basketball team as a preferred walk-on. Jackson said he received a financial aid package from the university and an invitation to suit up for the defending MEAC-champion Bears.
Last week, however, Jackson caught the attention of the Urbana (Ohio) University coaching staff at a workout at the Park School. Jackson said a scholarship was offered, as well as a request to visit the university, located about 45 miles outside of Columbus, Ohio.
"They asked me if I possibly wanted to visit, and I said, 'Yeah,'" Jackson said. "I'm going to check them out on their website and try to take a visit, then I'll give them my transcript and all that stuff. It's a little process. Just as soon as I visit there, then I'll make my final decision. In like a week or two."Urbana transitioned from the NAIA level to Division II play in 2008. The Blue Knights finished 14-13 last season.
If Jackson decides to take Morgan's walk-on offer, he could have a chance to renew a sibling rivalry. His older brother, George Jackson, recently completed his freshman season at Coppin State. The brothers teamed with Davon Usher (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) to lead Digital Harbor to the Class 1A state title in 2009.
"[George is] healing from a knee injury, so we're still waiting to see if he'll play up there next year," Jackson said. "[But] it's going to be real competitive, especially if I get in at the same time as he gets in. We're going to have to stick each other and play our hearts out."
Jackson, 6 feet, 175 pounds, averaged about 18 points, five assists and four rebounds for the Rams as a senior.
"I had a good season," Jackson said. "[I] didn't get a chance to win that state championship again, but I got a ring my junior year."
Baltimore Sun photo of Justin Jackson by Amy Davis / Jan. 16, 2009