Gibbs DE Tim Jackson picks North Carolina

ST. PETERSBURG -- As the first person in his immediate family to attend college, Gibbs DE Tim Jackson will be setting the bar awfully high.

On Friday, he committed to North Carolina.

The school not only is regarded as being one of the country’s best academically, but the football program isn’t too shabby either.

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound standout also considered Mississippi State and Wake Forest. Additionally, he had scholarship offers from the likes of Iowa State, Kentucky, Ole Miss, South Florida, Stanford and Vanderbilt.

"It's been a difficult road," Jackson said.

Jackson has a 3.7 grade-point average.

Rivals.com rates him as a three-star prospect.

A three-year starter, Jackson is known as a pass rush specialist who possesses a quick burst off the edge, making him difficult for opposing offensive tackles to handle.

North Carolina went 8-5 last season.

The Tar Heels are coached by Butch Davis.

On its list of the top universities, U.S. News & World Report has UNC ranked No. 28.

--KEITH NIEBUHR (kniebuhr@sptimes.com)

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