JA Football Trio Makes College Commitments
Jackson Academy saw its standout football trio of TJ White, Dereon Albert, and O’Mari Johnson announce their college decision on Tuesday afternoon.
White and Albert committed to Tennessee, while Johnson will play for Bill Belichick at North Carolina.
TJ White is ranked as the 86th best class of 2026 prospect in the country by 247Sports, along with the fifth-ranked linebacker in the country and third-ranked player in Mississippi. He chose the Vols over Mississippi State, Florida State, and Auburn.
“Every time I’ve been up there (Knoxville), it’s just been nothing but love and they (Tennessee) have just been recruiting me really hard. The environment up there is crazy and it just feels like home,” White said. “Playing with Dereon is a really big add-on, he’s a really big piece. We’re going to tear the world up and tear the SEC up.”
White dominated as an edge rusher and linebacker for the Raiders last season, compiling 102 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. White will be the primary pass rusher next season for a Jackson Academy team that will have high expectations going into this season, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
“I haven’t made it yet, I’m still hungry and still trying to make it to the top,” White said. “Tennessee is going to get a really hungry and hard-working player, I’m trying to keep working hard and win a state championship for my last year.”
Dereon Albert will join White at Tennessee next season, as he announced his commitment to the Vols over North Carolina. He is currently ranked as the 184th best prospect in the country for the class of 2026 by 247Sports, along with the 28th best defensive lineman prospect and the eighth-ranked player in Mississippi. Albert also recorded 81 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks in 2024.
Teaming up with White played a factor in the decision for Albert, but the effort that Tennessee put forth in recruiting him until the end ultimately sealed the deal.
“Tennessee has been recruiting both me and TJ the hardest, it has just felt like home for the both of us,” Albert said. “Me and TJ have been together since we were kids, now that we get to do that in college is just a great feeling.”
For O’Mari Johnson, his recruitment led him to recommit to North Carolina and Head Coach Bill Belichick. Johnson, who could play wide receiver or defensive back at the next level, is ranked as the 452nd best prospect in the country for the class of 2026 by 247Sports, along with the 73rd best wide receiver and 17th best player in Mississippi.
The recruitment process was a bit of a roller coaster ride for Johnson. He originally committed to North Carolina on April 6th, before decommitting on May 30th. After taking a few more visits, Johnson’s belief in his commitment to North Carolina was reaffirmed.
“I just felt like I needed more time to make sure going to North Carolina was the right decision for me,” Johnson said. “On my visit, it really felt like home, everybody made me feel like they wanted me at North Carolina."
Johnson will play for legendary NFL Coach Bill Belichick at North Carolina, which played a major part in his decision.
“Playing for Coach Belichick and the other great coaches there is what drew me to North Carolina,” Johnson said. “He knows how to get players to the next level and I wanted to learn from the best.”
Jackson Academy will open the season on August 29th at Oak Forest Academy in Louisiana.