Cumberland High School’s T.J. Jackson has made a verbal commitment to attend Virginia Tech and play football for the school under first-year head coach Justin Fuente.

“… I was in class and they called me to the office, and I got on the phone with them, and they offered me a full ride,” Jackson said. “So I was like, ‘Man, this is crazy.’ I talked to my parents, and I committed. …”

The 6-foot-9, 330-pound standout was a key player for the Dukes (2-7) this season. He played football at Wesleyan Christian Academy in North Carolina last year, and the year before at Fuqua School.

“T.J. has exceptional agility for a young man of his size,” said Cumberland head coach Edgar Knapp. “He moves incredibly well. His reach is very long and combined with his speed he becomes a powerful blocker. Because T.J. has really only been playing football for three years, the intensive coaching he’ll receive at the next level will improve on his technique across the board.”

Jackson also had offers from the University of Virginia, Norfolk State, Virginia Military Institute and North Carolina State.