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Offensive lineman Nick Jackson became the third North Branch player, and the second offensive lineman, to sign his letter of intent to play college football.

Jackson chose Central Lakes College in Brainerd over the University of Minnesota-Crookston and Bemidji State. He said that the head coach at Central Lakes, Greg Medeck, was really the selling point for him. When it came down to BSU or CLC, it also helped that CLC was a two-year institution where Jackson can major in criminal justice. He would like to be either a border patrol agent or work for the DNR.

Jackson couldn't credit North Branch Head Coach Phil Link enough for his success as a football player. "He treats us like we're his own kids," Jackson said. "I probably wouldn't be playing college football if it wasn't for Coach Link."

Jackson follows in the footsteps of fellow North Branch alums Justin Novak and Caleb Forstrom, both 2007 graduates of NBHS who starred for the Central Lakes Raiders.

He also expects CLC to continue competing for the MCAC championships every year. "I just want to win, man," he said.

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