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Highlands Today

Jackson Commits To SFCC

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By CHRIS HOFFMAN

Highlands Today

Published: September 24, 2008

AVON PARK - Kyle Jackson isn't one for beating around the bush, especially when it comes to his baseball career.

Once the Avon Park first baseman and pitcher heard from South Florida Community College head coach Rick Hitt that he'd make an immediate impact for the Panthers next season, Jackson became SFCC's first commitment for the 2010 season.

"I participated in a workout with Coach Hitt and it just felt right," Jackson said. "I like the way Coach Hitt runs his practices, and his track record for success and helping kids fulfill their goals on and off the field made for an easy decision."

The senior made his intentions known to Hitt on Monday.

"We're very excited to have Kyle committed to us," Hitt said. "As is our philosophy, we work to keep the top college-worthy players in our area right here at home. Many factors play into that - timing, positional need and financial availability - and this coming year is no different.

"We have many holes to fill after this season, as we will move on 15 second-year players from this club, and every player we're recruiting is a guy we're expecting to get in here and make an impact right away."

Jackson will likely fill a void at first base, and his left-handed bat will be a much-needed commodity for the Panthers in the tough Southern Conference.

The AP first baseman batted .392 with 31 hits, 11 doubles, 22 RBI and a .595 slugging percentage for the Red Devils last season, while collecting 23 assists and 137 put-outs with no errors on the defensive side.

Improvement is on the AP senior's agenda since an injury knocked him out of his senior year of football. Jackson can now just concentrate on his meal ticket - baseball.

"I've been playing a lot of fall ball to keep in shape," Jackson said. "I really want to improve my hitting and on my quickness before the start of this season and have that carry over into college ball."

Right now, Jackson is hoping that his decision to play for Hitt and SFCC will translate into a scholarship to a four-year university down the line, but he's still dreaming that his name might be called one day to take his bat to the majors.

"I'm going to keep working every day and do what Coach Hitt tells me to do," Jackson said. "You can't predict what the future is going to hold, but I'm not ruling the majors out, especially since I haven't reached my peak as a player. I can get a whole lot better."

The official signing date isn't until Jan. 15, but recruits can commit any time prior to that date.

"We still have a great deal of work to do for next year and many guys to speak with still," Hitt said. "But Kyle committing is a great start for us. We are looking forward to next season with him"

Chris Hoffman can be reached at 863-386-5827 or at choffman@highlandstoday.com.

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