Just like that Ryan “Rhino”Jackson has signed his letter of intent to take his talents up to Richmond, Kentucky for the Colonels of Eastern Kentucky University. This 2020 phenom made it official Wednesday morning surrounded by administration, teammates, friends, and family.
The signing of this multi-sport athlete for the Colonels is a perfect relationship between newly hired Head Coach (with family ties to the Lebanon, Tennessee area) Walt Wells. According to Jackson, once it was announced that Coach Wells was going to be taking over the reigns of the program an in school visit occurred and was immediately established that Jackson was wanted to compete on the defensive line in the 2020 season. Coming off a 2019 season Jackson was a Division 2-A East Offensive Lineman of the Year, his 2018 season was much of the same as he earned Division 2-A All State Honors in addition to Wilson County and Division 2-A Defensive Lineman of the Year. In 2017 he played a vital role in the Friendship Christian Commanders state title championship.
The departure of redshirt senior and Ohio Valley Conference 2019 Defensive Player of the Year (on the defensive line) Aaron Patrick, Jackson hopes he can come in and establish himself as the heir apparent with hard work, practice, and being coachable. At 6’2, 290 lbs, with great hands, explosiveness, power, agility, high football IQ, and strength of a Rhino, the Colonels are hoping to that he can come in be a plug and play athlete.
We at #d1highlights have watched Jackson develop over the past couple of years, not only is he a great athlete on the field and on the mat. He is even a better person in the classroom and is very well polished as a young man. The kind that you would want your daughter to bring home. During his off time you can find Jackson volunteering with kids and enjoys being the positive role model that our youth need to see. We wish nothing but continued success and accomplishments Ryan as you turn the page and enter into your next chapter of your life. We always knew you were a #d1highlight athlete. Go and show Richmond, Kentucky what we already knew!
