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Usually the words linebacker and Valdosta bring to mind images of former Atlanta Falcons great, Jessie Tuggle, who attended Valdosta State University. Georgia Tech decided to pluck one right from the high school ranks in the Valdosta area, signing Lowndes High School’s, Tre Jackson.

Jackson is a 3-star outside linebackers, going at a smallish 5-foot-11, 235 lbs, but plays much bigger than his height. As a starting linebacker for Lowndes in 2013, Jackson totaled 67 tackles (35 solo), nine tackles for loss, and averaged 5.2 tackles per game. He is rated as the #125 linebacker in the nation by ESPN.com.

If finding tough, aggressive linebackers to drop back into zone coverage and reading quarterbacks–with an ability to execute timing blitzes–is something Ted Roof wanted, then he bagged his trophy in Jackson. Not only is this tackling machine one of the best run-stoppers you’ll see, but he’s got quickness and toughness as a very effective pass defender as well.

His height may come into play while coming up against some of the bigger receivers and tight ends at the FBS level of play, but Jackson has shown in the past the he’s a fundamentally sound tackler, and works well moving through traffic and in tight spaces.

Jackson may be redshirted in his first season, but if he impresses the coaches enough and brings the type of intensity he did at Lowndes, its possible we may see him playing on special teams and as a reserve in the Yellow Jackets linebacker corps.

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