Naperville Central's Jackson goes with gut, picks Purdue

Sam Jackson's gut has been torn in all sorts of directions the past year.

It finally settled on Purdue.

The Class of 2021 Naperville Central quarterback, who previously committed twice to Minnesota, decommitted from the Gophers on Wednesday and instead chose to accept a scholarship from Purdue almost exactly a year after the Boilermakers offered the 5-foot-11, 175-pound dual-threat signalcaller.

"It's something I've been thinking about for a couple of weeks," he said. "It was honestly a gut decision. I just feel like if I want to go the next level and succeed, this is the best decision for me."

Jackson, who as a junior threw for 1,726 yards and 16 touchdowns, was adamant about wanting to play quarterback at college. Even though he's shown the ability to excel at other positions, Jackson said Purdue coaches have told him he'll be given every opportunity to be their quarterback.

Jackson committed to Minnesota after his freshman year at Bolingbrook, just before he transferred to Naperville Central. He decommitted several months ago but reasserted his commitment to the Gophers in late April.

"I feel like Purdue is the best place for me to go as a quarterback and a person," he said. "I've been talking to Purdue since before they offered me and I've been in contact with them all along. The way they play the game is the way I play the game. Their offense definitely fits me and I fit their offense."

After some turmoil in the recruiting process the last few months, Jackson is ready to put it behind him and focus on reuniting next week with his Naperville Central football teammates for conditioning.

"Honestly, I feel like I'm done with everything," Jackson said. "My recruitment is closed and I feel like Purdue is the place for me."

Twitter: @kevin_schmit