By T. Scott Boatright
It’s always big when a hometown star signs to play for a local college football team.
Cedar Creek’s Jackson Cuthbert realizes that and intends to make his college playing career a hit — as big as the hits he was known for making on the prep gridiron — after signing Wednesday to continue his playing career as a Louisiana Tech Bulldog.
“It feels great,” Cuthbert said of joining the ’Dogs. “There were a lot of things that went into the decision deciding where I was going to go, but it feels great now that it’s done.”
Cuthbert said he expects Tech to use him as an inside linebacker despite playing on the Cougars’ defensive line as a senior.
“I played defensive end last season but I’ve always loved being a linebacker the most,” Cuthbert said. “But I had to step up for the team. We needed a defensive end so that’s what I had to do last season.”
When asked about whether he felt his strength as a linebacker was pass rushing or pass coverage, Cuthbert said it all boils down to one thing.
“I love to hit,” he said. “Anything that involves hitting is good with me.”
Cuthbert said he especially started following LA Tech football after coming to Cedar Creek in the sixth grade.
“I’ve been to a few (Tech) games,” said Cuthbert, who added that he wants to major in kinesiology. “Growing up in Monroe until sixth grade I never went to a bunch of Tech games, but the few I did, I loved. I’ve always been an LSU fan so I went to a lot of their games.
“But I love Ruston. I fell in love with it and I fell in love with Tech. This is the place for me to be and I’m excited about it.”