A screen pass picked off for a 50-yard touchdown. A scoop-and-score on a recovered fumble.

Those were just a couple of plays Gainesville (Ga.) defensive tackle Josh Jackson made during a record-breaking senior season.

"I'm telling you, this kid is capable of making some big plays," Gainesville head coach Bill Miller said. "He has a tendency as a defensive lineman, and I know that doesn't sound right, but he has a tendency to be where big plays are made.

"Picking up a fumble and taking it in, causing a fumble, picking off a screen pass - he just has a tendency to make big plays."

The 6-foot-2, 260-pound Jackson finished his senior season with 99 tackles and a school-record 16 sacks. He was named first-team Class 3A All-State helping Gainesville to a 12-1 record.

"He's a strong kid," Miller said. "He's not huge by any means but he's extremely quick. He can probably play at 275 or 280 easily.

"He has good speed and I think his best playing days are ahead of him."

Jackson signed with Auburn Wednesday, less than 12 hours after receiving an offer from AU d-line coach Tracy Rocker and without ever stepping foot on AU's campus.

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