Kansas University football recruiting

A former all-state prep safety from Derby who signed with Boise State out of high school, defensive back Darreon Jackson is the latest member of the Kansas football team’s 2017 recruiting class.

One of three prospects visiting KU this past weekend who arrived in Lawrence not affiliated with the program, Jackson joined cornerback Antonio Cole and receiver Quan Hampton in giving head coach David Beaty his verbal commitment, making the Jayhawks three-for-three in landing their targets.

Jackson, who played at Coffeyville Community College in 2016, told Jon Kirby of Jayhawk Slant he committed to Beaty and defensive coordinator Clint Bowen on Saturday. But Jackson chose to wait until Monday morning to announce his college choice on Twitter.

“Extremely blessed to tell the world that I have committed to the University of Kansas,” Jackson tweeted.

In one season at Coffeyville, the three-star junior college safety made 94 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, forced a fumble, intercepted five passes and broke up six others in 11 games.

With KU losing starting safety Fish Smithson from last year’s team, Jackson told Jayhawk Slant the chance to play early — he’ll have three years of eligibility remaining — influenced his decision to pick Kansas during his official visit.

Two years ago, the former Derby star had offers from KU, Kansas State, Texas Tech and others before he picked Boise State. Jackson took a redshirt in what turned out to be his only season in Boise.

According to a report from the Idaho Statesman, Jackson received a one-semester suspension from the university in 2016, following a Title IX investigation of three football players. The other two players were expelled, while Jackson chose to transfer out of the program.

“To look at where I am now it is a blessing,” Jackson told Jayhawk Slant after committing to Kansas. “A lot of things really changed my life and I’ve been through a lot. This is a good, positive feeling and I thank God I am back to where I should be. There is no feeling like it.”

Jackson also was recruited by Bowen out of high school.

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