UNC Basketball: Justin Jackson’s first offer came in… eighth grade?!
The former UNC basketball star recently discussed how his college recruitment started a little earlier than most student-athletes.
Most eighth-grade students spend the final year of their middle school years preparing for what’s ahead at the high school level. Even the thought of college is still plenty of years away for these young students.
For former UNC basketball star Justin Jackson, the thought of playing college basketball began before he even started his high school career.
Imagine if Justin Jackson didn’t go to UNC. Texas A&M wanted him early!
— Tidal League (@TidalLeague) July 29, 2023
Justin Jackson: “I’ll never forget it…it was dope. That’s why I always kept A&M in my top 5.”
What would you do if you got a college offer in the 8th grade? 🤯
Via: Run Your Race pic.twitter.com/RYcRXrwtN9
On an appearance on Tidal League’s “Run Your Race” podcast, hosted by fellow former UNC basketball standout Theo Pinson, Jackson discussed how Texas A&M extended him an offer during his eighth-grade year.
Now, of course, this is illegal recruiting at its finest, but hey, at this point it doesn’t matter.
Jackson, a Spring, Texas native, received a phone call from the Aggies during a workout with his younger brother. He thought it was cool to receive the offer, but at the time, it didn’t really hit him given that he was four years away from his college years.
Of course, Jackson went on to be one of the top prospects not only from the state of Texas but in the entire country. According to Jackson, he was 6-foot-4 in eighth grade, so his size and basketball ability had to be enticing for plenty of programs, not just Texas A&M.
We all know how Jackson’s recruitment ended up going from there!
Jackson committed to North Carolina and became a household name, being named the ACC Player of the Year, earning first-team All-American honors, and most importantly, helping the UNC basketball program capture another National Championship.
Although the Aggies missed out on Jackson, who they recruited before it was even allowed, the former Tar Heel said that Texas A&M remained in his top five given that they were heavily involved from the start of his recruitment.
Next. UNC basketball announces addition of James Okonkwo. dark
Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of UNC basketball news and recruiting updates.