Versatility, speed and hard work in the classroom have earned JHS senior Jackson Pearson a scholarship to play football at Birmingham Southern College.

Pearson, who played many positions for the Golden Eagles last season, was one of the reasons for Jacksonville’s success and their first playoff season in 10 years.

“Jackson is a guy that we played at a lot of different positions, especially offensively,” said head football coach Roland Houston. “He started out the year at quarterback and we always knew he was a good running back.

“With injuries we had to move him to running back and we felt like that was a better fit for us and he did a great job there.

“Defensively he’s one of the best corners we’ve had. This year very seldom did we get beat deep, that’s because we had good corners out there and guys who could run.”

Houston feels that Pearson has good speed, the kind of speed that is needed to play at the next level.

“He’s a guy that they will sign as an athlete,” continued Houston on Pearson’s signing with the Panthers. “He can play on the kicking team and offensively and defensively they will plug him in to where they need him the most.”

Pearson, who will be graduating third in his class, said that the academic reputation of Birmingham Southern was appealing.

“I want to keep playing football and they have the best academics in the state so it was a great opportunity,” said Pearson, who plans on majoring in secondary education.

Jackson is the son of Phillip and Sue Pearson.