Sports

Albany’s Jackson headed to Tuskegee

Scott Chancey

ALBANY — Albany High School center Ryan Jackson did not receive an offer from Albany State, although he said he would’ve attended had he been given the chance.

Instead, he signed with SIAC and black college national champion Tuskegee — the Rams’ bitter SIAC rival — on Wednesday.

“There’s a lot of history there,” Jackson said.

He also had offers from Kentucky State and Morehouse, but the Rams’ snub seemed to bother him a bit. Coincidentally, Tuskegee hosts Albany State next season.

“I look at it as revenge,” Jackson said, “to show them what they missed out on.”

And how exactly did Tuskegee memorabilia wind up at Albany High School for Jackson’s signing? It all belonged to Donna Gaines, an Albany math teacher who graduated from Tuskegee.

Indians coach Reginald Mitchell, meanwhile, feels the signing couldn’t have happen to a better person.

“He’s got a great work ethic,” Mitchell said. “He’s very humble and has great parental support. He’s just another example that hard work pays off.”

Jackson was first-team All-Region this past season and was selected as the Indians’ best offensive lineman.

Tigers coach Willie Slater, who led his team to a 12-0 record last season, gave Jackson reason to believe that playing time his freshman season is a very real possibility.

“He said if I worked hard enough, I would get my chance,” Jackson said.

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