Coastal Carolina commit Dontrell Jackson Jr. has Marist poised for big fall after a spring season of growth

Marist quarterback Dontrell Jackson Jr. called it a valuable learning experience.

After committing to up-and-coming Coastal Carolina in early December despite limited experience at quarterback, Jackson made a strong impression in the six-game abridged spring football season.

He experienced the normal highs and lows associated with starting his first full season for the highly ranked RedHawks. Jackson, a two-way threat, displayed an ability to impact a game in many ways in the six-game season.

He passed for 286 yards and a touchdown and added a rushing touchdown in a 43-14 defeat to Loyola, but he turned the ball over four times. His electric skills passing and running the ball are key factors why Marist is considered a contender in Class 8A this fall season.

Jackson said his goal for his first “true full season” starting at quarterback is to play with more consistency. Jackson showed his vast potential early in his career, earning his first scholarship offer from Illinois in June of 2019.

“That was my first year where I swapped out playing wide receiver and quarterback, but this year I’m playing strictly quarterback, so everything feels different,” Jackson said. “I’ve been feeling more comfortable, and been trying and come with the same approach every day.

“It was a year of growth, which helped. I studied more of the mental side during the pandemic. I’m very excited for the season to start. We’re all coming to compete (in July) to get better.”

Another player set to transition to an expanded role this fall is Marist’s Nick Verzoni. The senior defensive back/free safety was a first-year starter last spring. He played mainly offense in his career until switching to defense in March.

“I learned a lot from playing free safety,” Verzoni said. “It’s just a completely different aspect of the game being on the other side of the ball. I feel so much better, just getting that experience from the six-game season. I’m really excited for this year.”

Marist senior Conor tight end Conor O’Mara played behind Patrick Winters last spring. O’Mara said he’s been focused on adding more weight during the brief offseason, raising his weight to 180 pounds.

“It was good to learn under Patrick, to see him be tough and throw his body out there and to make a play to help the team,” he said. “I feel a lot stronger and faster. I have to work on my receiving skills and blocking, especially considering how big some of the defensive linemen are. I have to play tough.”

Senior defensive back Sam Laurencell is hoping to build off last season’s experience starting. At 5-8, 165 pounds, Laurencell said he learned valuable tools to help him overcome his size disadvantage.

“It was fun to be out there,” he said. “I’m not the biggest guy, so I have to really know what I’m doing. I have to put my body out there more and get off the blocks to figure out how to make a play.

“I’m trying to put at least 10 more pounds on, at least. I’m trying to be a leader and get things done for our team.”