The ‘Cuse is trying to steal another highly touted defensive end out of state and from under the noses of the nation’s Top-25 programs.¬†Branden Jackson from McKeesport, PA is listed as a three-star Rivals recruit and has an impressive offer sheet headed into his senior year.
The love is from all over the country; in-state from Pitt, the Big 10 from Iowa and Michigan State, spanning from Texas Tech to Louisville.
He also visited Piscataway, NJ. WTF Greg? When I spoke to you about the “State of Rutgers” at Big East Media Days¬†you didn’t mention anything about Pennsylvania. That three-to-four hour circle around your campus rule? Google Maps has it at a six-hour drive to McKeesport. Liar.
Jackson’s been to the Big House as well.
“The campus was really nice. I knew it would be, but it was really nice. Once I got around some of the players, too, I knew I wouldn’t be left out. Everyone was just real nice, and made you feel comfortable. They weren’t hyping anything, they were just being real about what they go through.”
That’s a critical piece of information that separates the ‘Cuse from a lot of premier programs. The Orange has to sell itself to these kids. All it takes is one trip in front of the trophy case or historic field to pitch an elite powerhouse.
Why is everyone hung up on Jackson? Well, his credentials are good. 6’5″, 220 pounds goes the senior. He also claims a 4.5 40-yard dash. Yikes. Is the ‘Cuse in over it’s head on a kid who transcends the lower tier of BCS schools? Some may say that.
Some also may have said the same for Max Beaulieu.
Posted: Ted Conroy
