By CRAIG PHILLIPS  Derrick writer Oil City's Jamail Jackson is taking his talents to Akron, Ohio. Jackson, a two-way starter and standout running back, signed a national letter-of-intent Feb. 4 to accept a full football scholarship to the University of Akron. “It's where I was most wanted and it felt like a good fit,” Jackson said of his choice to play for the Zips, who were 8-4 last season and are members of the up-and-coming Mid-American Conference. “Their building process looks good and coach (J.D.) Brookhart wanted me,” Jackson continued. “They said I could play fullback or tailback depending on the number of recruits they get. I'll do what they want me to do, even if it takes losing 10 to 15 pounds and becoming a scatback.” Jackson - 5-11, 219 pounds - did a little bit of everything for the Oilers, He showcased his power when necessary and his speed made him a dangerous weapon on kick returns. “It's a big positive when you have kids who can get their education paid for while doing what they like to do,” Oiler head football coach Bill Heber said. “It shows one of the benefits of athletics in high school.” Brookhart, who spent last season as the offensive coordinator for the Pitt, first took notice of Jackson while coaching there. “(Brookhart) saw films on Jamail and likes him a ton; he says he brings a lot to the table,” said Oil City assistant coach Ray Beers, who handles college recruiting for the Oiler football team. “They like the way (Jamail) runs the ball and they say he catches the ball exceptionally well.” Beers, who has talked with the Akron coaching staff, feels the Zips will look at Jackson as a tailback first, but also said they could envision him beefing up to 235 or 240 pounds and playing fullback. “This is a great opportunity for (Jamail),” Beers said. “They've pumped $40 million into their football program in the last year alone. Their indoor training facility is the biggest of its kind in the country and can seat 1,800 for an indoor track meet.” Jackson and Beers hope he can see the playing field as a freshman. “He should have the opportunity to play early,” Beers said. “They feel he's physically ready to play.” “I want to at least make second string and travel with the team … if not play,” Jackson said. He should have plenty of opportunity after rushing for 1,430 yards in two seasons in which he shared the rushing load with teammate Corey Schwab. This past season he finished with 826 yards rushing and eight touchdowns for a 6.4 yards per carry average. He also caught nine passes for 124 yards and a TD and had a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns. He was equally impressive running between the tackles or in the open field, where he averaged 34.2 yards per return on kickoffs and 15.8 on punt returns. Beers felt Jackson's versatility was a key factor in the eyes of recruiters. “(Jamail) was recruited by schools from the Big Ten, Big East, ACC and MAC,” Beers said. “He received several offers.” Brookhart said he plans to recruit western Pennsylvania and six of his 22 recruits hail from the Keystone state, including two-way tackle Garrett Brewster of Franklin. “We are excited about this class,” Brookhart said. “Our intent was to recruit speed and football players and I think we addressed those needs from a productivity standpoint. We looked at players who were productive in their careers. The addition of speed is also a huge factor when you are looking to improve your team. “Each year our goal will be to improve the team and I felt like we did that,” he continued. “We won't rule out anyone (from this class) making contributions in the fall. The most exciting part of the process was the feedback we received from each of the players and their families. They felt the enthusiasm we have as a staff and were able to see the positive direction the football program and school are headed.” Akron's next official destination will be Beaver Stadium when the Zips travel to Penn State for their 2004 season opener. Akron will visit Ohio State for its 2005 season opener and has Michigan on its schedule in upcoming seasons. For Jackson, his next stop after graduation will be visiting Akron, picking up a playbook and learning the system.