Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei defensive back Domani Jackson told 247Sports on Sunday that he has decommitted from USC and will re-open his recruitment.
Jackson has been a strong pledge to USC since committing back in January of 2021. The five-star 2022 prospect, who ranks as the No. 6 overall player per the 247Sports Composite, still took multiple visits to Michigan and Alabama and there was always a feeling he could open things up at some point.
“I’m still considering USC and will be taking my official visit there this weekend for the UCLA game,” Jackson told 247Sports. “I just felt like the best way to really evaluate all my options was to de-commit so every one would be on the same level.
“This is something that has been weighing on me for a while now. Even my mom mentioned recently that it seemed like I was a little down or not as happy. It’s been stressful for sure because of how strong my relationships are at USC. I’m closer with Donte (Williams) than any other coach so it was really hard to make that call but I feel like there’s a big weight off my back now.”
Jackson talked more specifically about why he wanted to open things up.
“With USC, it’s hard because they don’t have a head coach and likely won’t until early December,” Jackson said. “I’m going to be signing during the Early Signing Period so I’ll still have a couple of weeks to get to know the new coach and then figure out the best place for me.
“There are a lot of unknowns with USC right now and I don’t know who is going to be back. I have my same three schools, USC, Alabama and Michigan, that I’ve been focusing on and those are still the three that I’m looking at now.”
Jackson just visited Alabama last weekend and raved about the trip. If there’s a school with some real buzz right now, it would be the Tide.
“Alabama was a great visit and it’s a great fit for me,” Jackson said. “It’s a school that provides you with everything you need to be successful. Nick Saban is the GOAT and like I said, you go to Bama, you’re guaranteed to play for a National Championship every year and get to the League (NFL).”
Michigan is a school that Jackson has long been tied to as well and he has visited multiple times and has one more trip coming up.
“I’m going out there for the Ohio State game (Nov. 27) at the end of the month,” Jackson said. “I’ve always liked Michigan and that’s going to be a great environment. My dad will be coming out with me and it’s always a great time with the players and coaches out there.”
As mentioned, Jackson is set to sign during the Early Period and has a commitment date locked in as well.
“I’m going to commit on ESPN on the first day of the Early Signing Period (Dec. 15),” Jackson said. “I think after these couple of trips, I’ll have plenty of time to sit down with my family and figure this all out. The USC visit will be fun and even though I’m not committed there any more, I’m still looking forward to it.
“There will be a lot of other recruits I’m close with there too. I don’t need to see Bama again since I was just there and then the Michigan trip will be a great time too. I’m an early grad and I want to be on campus in time for spring ball so excited to play this out.”
