Franklin defensive back Lamar Jackson made his long awaited decision on Tuesday and the Top247 recruit chose Nebraska over Arizona and Arizona State. Jackson made his announcement via video release, but caught up with HuskersIllustrated.com to explain his decision.

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Jackson said Nebraska’s coaching staff and it's commitment to him put the Huskers on top early in December.

“I’m going to Nebraska because I can trust the coaching staff and coach Mike Riley is a real player’s coach,” he said. "

Nebraska wasn’t even in Jackson’s top 10 at one point. The Huskers offered in the spring and Jackson was intrigued but eventually other schools piqued his interest. The defender kept hearing from Nebraska defensive backs coach Brian Stewart.

Ultimately, Jackson visited Nebraska for the Michigan State game and then was completely blown away by what the Huskers could offer.

“The visit to Nebraska really helped a lot,” he said. “I just kept getting love from the fans. It was just a great overall visit. It was my best visit. Then the coaching staff was just consistent throughout recruiting me. They answered all my questions.

“Really one of the biggest things is that every coach at Nebraska would talk to me. Every last one there, even the player personnel people, they all just wanted me there. I just got such a really good vibe. Can’t forget about Nebraska’s fan base. It’s amazing knowing that many people want you and I’ll get to play at a high-level in front of 90,000 people. That really can’t be beat.”

It didn’t hurt Nebraska’s chances that coach Riley won over the family during his in-home visit.

“My family really liked the coaches and they felt that trust too,” he said. “Once my family said that I knew I was ready to make the call and that’s where I’d be going. The coaches just did a really good job with my parents. My mom said she really trusts them and their plans."

Jackson hopes to get back to Nebraska for the spring game in April. The defender also said he’s been in good contact with Tony Butler, another of Nebraska’s defensive back commits, and the two are talking about rooming together in Lincoln despite never meeting.

Regardless of when he comes back, Jackson will be there as a Husker.

“I want to be there for the spring game, but if not then, I’ll for sure be there in June,” he said.