Dakota Jackson had no real timetable in place for when he wanted to decide his college future, but he saw no reason to continue the recruiting process. This past Saturday, the 6-4, 250-pound junior tight end verbally committed to Virginia Tech over interest from Connecticut, Maryland, Penn State and Virginia.

“It’s great,” the Northside (Roanoke, VA) product said of his commitment. “I feel like a burden is lifted. I get to play football for a major ACC program.”

Jackson was one of many junior targets in attendance for Virginia Tech’s February 26 junior day. The event made a significant impression on the Roanoke native, who enjoyed learning a different side of Virginia Tech.

“Growing up, I live really close to Tech, so they’ve always been high on my radar,” Jackson said. “Going up for the junior day, I got to see all of the academic stuff and all of the academic support the athletes get. It’s not just great athletics up there. When I went up there for the junior day, I realized Virginia Tech is an outstanding institution. The fact that it is so close to home, it has everything I’m looking for. I want to major in Engineering. It’s a great fit.

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