2014 recruit commits to Arkansas

El Dorado defensive tackle Bijhon Jackson recorded his first interception in his high school career against Little Rock Central on Friday night.
El Dorado defensive tackle Bijhon Jackson recorded his first interception in his high school career against Little Rock Central on Friday night.

— El Dorado junior defensive lineman Bijhon Jackson gave Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema an early Christmas gift when he called Bielema Thursday night and orally committed to the Hogs.

Jackson, 6-2, 325, 5.1 seconds in the 40-yard dash, had scholarship offers Arkansas, Ole Miss and Arkansas State while drawing interest from numerous others.

“I liked the Razorbacks while growing up and I don’t see myself going anywhere else,” Jackson said. “We have a new coach and we’re headed in the right direction.”

Jackson was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas team last week after recording 67 tackles, including 12 tackles for a loss and 6 sacks. He also made the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Super Sophomore team after having 33 unassisted tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles the 13-1 Class 6A state championship run.

“He said he wanted to get me to school and show me around campus,” Jackson said of Bielema. “I told him I wanted to commit. He said he looked at my film and my grades and said he really liked what he saw.”

Jackson is rated as one of the nation’s Top 100 junior prospects by national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network. Being a Hog has been on his mind since his youth.

“It means a lot,” said Jackson, who recorded a 360-pound bench press and 350 power clean during the spring. “I’ve always wanted to be a Razorback since I was a little boy. I’ve always watched them on TV. It’s really a dream come true for me.”

Jackson becomes Arkansas’ second commitment for the 2014 class. Oral commitments are nonbinding.

Sports, Pages 25 on 12/21/2012

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