Lakes safety says he’ll go to S. Dakota
It was a good weekend for the Palm Beach Lakes football program.
One day after athlete Teja Young committed to coach Lane Kiffin and FAU, defensive back Jakari Starling followed with a commitment to South Dakota. The senior safety announced his decision Sunday afternoon via Twitter.
Starling, the No. 27-ranked player on The Palm Beach Post’s Class of 2018 Big Board, finished the 2017 season with seven interceptions, two sacks and 32 tackles. He was named a second-team All-Area selection following the season.
Starling (6 feet, 180 pounds) took an official visit Friday to South Dakota, which made the second round in its first trip to the FCS playoffs this past season and finished 8-5.
“I chose the University of South Dakota because I felt like I was at home with the players and coaches and environment,” he said. “They have something special going on up there for football. It’s heading in a great direction, and I want to be a part of that. A top-notch degree and football — you can’t beat that when they feel like a family already to my parents and I.”
Palm Beach Central defensive back Tre Jackson also committed to South Dakota on Sunday. Jackson helped anchor a Broncos defense that produced four straight shutouts at the end of the regular season and into the playoffs.
He finished his senior season with 41 tackles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions.
Jackson was named to the All-Area Large Schools Defense first team.