Jackson signs on in Big Ten

Earlier in the week, Gulf Coast Community College coach Jim Hatfield told us David Jackson was having a tough time making his college choice.

"He came back from his visit with Auburn and he really liked Auburn and Penn State," said Hatfield. "I just told him, 'David, think about what you're going to do. Go off by yourself, say a little prayer, whatever you need to do.' He went in the office, came out and said 'I'm going to go to Penn State.' He liked both coaches, liked both schools, I couldn't tell you exactly what the difference was."

Jackson signed his letter of intent with the Nittany Lions on Thursday. Hatfield thinks his man will be successful in the Big Ten.

"I don't know much about their personnel," Hatfield said. "But he's a tough, strong, physical, Big Ten type guard. He handles the ball well and he's totally committed. You come by at 6:30 or 7 in the morning, hear a ball bouncing in the gym, David's in there. He stays after practice. You go by the classroom, he's in there. H'es a mature kid and he understands the game."

Jackson was a two-time all-Panhandle Conference selection and led Gulf Coast with 18.2 points per game last season. He shot 56% from three-point range and 82.8% from the free throw line.