On the dotted line: Jackson Darlington signs with Air Force

Enterprise quarterback Jackson Darlington signed his letter-of-intent with the Air Force Academy on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Darlington didn’t sign his letter-of-intent at a ceremony like most senior’s signing during the early signing period, instead opting to sign it with his family and then taking part in the ceremony EHS plans to hold in February.

“It feels awesome,” Darlington said of signing. “It’s been a life-long dream of mind and there were some worries earlier in my career that I might not get to fulfill it.

“I didn’t get my first offer until the summer going into my senior year. Both of my older brothers played in big-time Division I schools and obviously there was that weight and some pressure with that.”

Darlington had some offers from smaller schools but after the Wildcats defeated R.E. Lee late in the year, Air Force – who had began recruiting him earlier in the year – formally made a scholarship offer to the quarterback.

“There was a moment there that I was unsure of what would happen but God blessed me with this opportunity and to be able to sign and play college football to fulfill my dream,” he said. “A lot of kids dream about playing in the NFL but my whole life I’ve just dreamed of playing college football. I saw my brothers do it and I’ve been passionate about it my entire life.”

Darlington said he had to look at signing with Air Force differently than he would have other schools.

“I looked at it like it was a 10-year – at least – commitment rather than just going off to college for four years,” he said. “It is tough because you have to accept a different lifestyle.

“A lot of kids want to go to college and party and have that loose lifestyle, but I had to take into consideration my life would be very different than that. I’m going to be held to a different standard (than other college athletes) but I’ve always wanted more for my life and wanted the best out of myself.”

Darlington said he believes Air Force will help him bring the best out in him.

“I think a military academy will provide that and help me grow as a person,” he said. “It will also give me great opportunities after college, as well.”