April 8, 2010

RedStorm soccer signs GAHS's Jackson

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm men's soccer program stayed close to home in landing its most recent recruit. Joshua Jackson of Gallia Academy High School has signed a national letter of intent to play soccer for the RedStorm in the fall of 2010. 

Jackson, a 5'10" midfielder, is looking forward to getting started at Rio Grande. "I enjoyed it (the signing process), and look forward to playing for Rio," Jackson said. 

Being a local player, Jackson is familiar with Rio Grande and the soccer program. "I have been around the program for quite a while, so I knew quite a bit," he said. 

Jackson said there were three reasons why he chose to sign with Rio Grande. "The location, the coaching staff and the cost," Jackson said. 

He plans to major in Physical Therapy.

"Josh is one, he's kind of a gym rat for soccer," said Rio Grande head coach Scott Morrissey. "He's always around, you always see him juggling a ball."

"He comes down to the team camp and he's just a good, hard-working young man and someone who is familiar with our program," Morrissey added. "We're excited to have a local player and Josh has come down to a couple of practices and he's getting his feet wet now, so he's going to have a pretty good idea of what it's all about."

Jackson discussed his best assets as a player and also what he feels he needs to work on to play at the college level. "My passion and my work ethic would be assets and I need to work my fitness, ball work and strength."

Jackson has two main goals while playing at Rio Grande. "To have fun and improve my skills," he said.

Josh is the son of Mark and Karen Jackson of Rio Grande. 

He joins Kort Wolfe of Circleville, Daniel Scott of Warren High School, Tyler Kuhner, Jordan Jenkins and Paul Wyatt Smith of Zane Trace High School as the current members of the 2010 Rio Grande men's soccer recruiting class.

Rio Grande finished the 2009 season with an 18-3-3 record and advanced to the NAIA semifinals for the fourth time in school history.