VASJ sophomore Bo Jackson receives football offer from Ohio State
Jun. 20—First things first about VASJ's Bo Jackson.
His given name is Lamar Jackson Jr. His father Lamar Sr. grew up in the era of the "Bo Knows" Nike ad campaign that made two-sport star Bo Jackson of the Raiders and Royals one of the most famous athletes of the 1980s.
So shortly after Lamar Jr. was born, his family began calling him "Bo."
The VASJ Bo Jackson said he's fully aware of the greatness of the '80s Bo.
"I used to watch Bo Jackson highlights all the time with my brother and my dad," said VASJ's Jackson.
The Bo Jackson at VASJ also plays baseball, and he's pretty good, too, according to his football coach Jeff Rotsky.
Football, however, seems to be the future for this Jackson, especially after an eventful week for the Vikings' two-way player.
On June 14, Jackson — who will be a sophomore this fall — was invited to the Ohio State football camp, and after the day was complete he was offered a scholarship from Buckeyes coach Ryan Day.
After a great camp today with @CoachTonyAlford and A great conversation with @ryandaytime ... I am very blessed to announce I have received a division 1 offer to play football @OhioStateFB ... @VASJFootball @JRotsky @shootersbrother @tillman_coach pic.twitter.com/gZUT06Kx04
— Bo Jackson (@BoJackson2025) June 15, 2022
"When I received the offer, I was elated and speechless," said Jackson, whose first offer was from the University of Kentucky. On June 19, Jackson tweeted he received an offer from the University of Pittsburgh.
After a great conversation w/ @ARCHIECOLLINS_ and having the opportunity to meet @CoachAPowell I am blessed to say I have received a D1 offer from The University of Pittsburg @VASJFootball @JRotsky pic.twitter.com/tJe7Ghv0x5
— Bo Jackson (@BoJackson2025) June 20, 2022
The OSU offer was the highlight of a three-day trip with Rotsky and about 60 VASJ players to different colleges. It's a summer tradition for Rotsky and his players throughout his long high school coaching career in Northeast Ohio — including at Euclid.
Jackson started last season as a VASJ freshman at strong safety and was a backup to starter and brother Ty Howard at running back. This season will be different as Jackson is expected to be the Vikings' starter at running back. He's about 6-foot, 190 pounds and is expected to continue growing, said Rotsky.
Jackson runs the 40 in 4.5 seconds, bench presses 280 pounds and squats 440. He's being recruiting by Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford.
Rotsky said the OSU offer is a sign of things to come — as in a flurry of interest from other colleges and likely many more offers.
"I've been telling these schools, 'Offer this kid now. You want to be early on him,' " said Rotsky.
Rotsky said Jackson is a humble and quiet teenager whose parents stress academics. Not knowing at the time his star player received the OSU offer, Rotsky asked Jackson how the day went at the OSU camp after June 14 was complete.
"He said, 'I did pretty good,' " said Rotsky. "Thirty seconds later, he's talking to his dad and said, 'They offered.' We went on the bus and told the team and they went nuts."
Highlights from Jackson's performance at the OSU camp — according to Rotsky — included two interceptions on defense and a strong showing as a receiver.
"Alford loved his football IQ," said Rotsky, who added the recruitment of Jackson could one to remember when it's complete.
"My phone is constantly ringing."
