The Buckeyes have received verbal commitment #14 for the 2009 class in WR James Jackson (Grand Ledge, MI).

The 6-foot receiver states that he runs a remarkable 4.31 40-yard dash. 4.31 would be amongst the fastest in Ohio State football history and this tremendous aspect could benefit the Bucks’ greatly on the field. His speed is currently utilized in the return game and deep routes where he easily beats defenders. However, Jackson needs to improve his hands and route running before he can be a successful receiver on the college level. Scout and Rivals both have him listed at 4-stars due to his tremendous speed.

Jackson chose OSU over Michigan, MSU, UCLA, Iowa, and Alabama.

Full 2009 Commitment List

Update for Analysis (11:25 pm by Alex): What does James Jackson committing to the Bucks mean?

Well there are two parts to take into consideration when analyzing the verbal commitment of Jackson; 1. The Buckeyes get another receiver in a WR class that already includes Chris Fields and will probably see 2 more members and 2. The Buckeyes take an in-state product away from Dick Rod and Dantonio at Michigan and Michigan State respectively

Jackson is an extremely fast receiver and could be the speedster the Bucks need to complete their young receiving corps that enters this season. Just imagine Posey and Jackson on one side with Stoneburner and Lamaar Thomas opposite them. Now imagine Terrelle Pryor with Brandon Saine behind Brewster, Shugarts, Adams, Browning, and another top lineman (could be anyone in a few years-Connor Smith, Evan Blankenship, Marcus Hall??? or Chris Watt???). That seems like a championship caliber team to me. Jackson gives the Bucks more speed, something they have certainly been lacking in recent years, at least according the rest of the college football world.

Also, in my opinion, a more important reason why Jackson’s verbal is so important is that the Bucks took a top talent out of their rivals state. Rich Rodriguez has to be crushed that JT won another recruiting battle over him and Mark Dantonio could have used Jackson (JJ seems to be the easy nickname right?) in his mission to bring Sparty to the top of the Big Ten. Coach Tress has had luck in the state up north before (See: Vernon Gholston) and JJ can bring OSU some talent while taking away some from in-conference rivals at the same time.