Julie McCombs
Emmanuel Jackson signed to play football at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Left to right, bottom row, Judith Holden (grandmother), Tammy Jackson (mother), Emmanuel, and David Jackson (father). Back l-r: Todd Smith, Pam Freeman, Shayla Virgil (cousin), Ursula Virgil (aunt).
Julie McCombs
Dan VonWaldner signed to play football at Limestone College. Left to right: Karen VonWaldner (mother), Don, Stephen VonWaldner (father). Todd Smith peers over Dan's shoulder during the signing ceremony.
Emmanuel Jackson and Dan Von Waldner of Riverside High School have signed with colleges to continue their football career.
Jackson, who will be remembered for his overtime touchdown to beat Boiling Springs, will be at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Jackson, 5-foot-7, 165 pounds, played running back and slot receiver for the Warriors.
Phil Smith, head coach of Riverside, said he saw signs of Jackson’s game-breaking threat. “I saw flashes of it in the Spartanburg game when he caught a screen (pass) and went 73 yards.
“It’s a load off my shoulder and it’s an amazing day,” Jackson said. “Everything changes. I can look at myself in the mirror and be proud what I’ve accomplished.”
Jackson said he expects to play wide receiver and perform on special teams.
Jackson was Riverside’s offensive team most valuable player last season and was All-Region II-AAAA. He’s a two-time captain for the Warriors. He holds the school’s 100-meter record and is a member of the record 400-meter relay team.
“It’s something I’ve been dreaming about for Emmanuel,” his father, David Jackson, said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for him to go to Lenoir-Rhyne and get a great education,” Tammy Jackson, Emmanuel’s mother, said.
Lenoir-Rhyne is a member of the South Atlantic Conference, an NCAA Division II affiliate.
Von Waldner represents the size Limestone was recruiting for its offensive line. He played at 6-1, 305-pounds and will one of four offensive linemen the Gaffney school recruited weighing more than 300 pounds.
“I’m looking forward to working out this summer and improve my strength and speed,” Von Waldner said."They (Limestone coaches) told me I had great potential to come and get playing time as a freshman.
Von Waldner, a self-admitted gym rat, said he's already working out anticipating reporting to summer camp in July.
Von Waldner is the son of Stephen and Karen Von Waldner.
Limestone was 2-9 last year in its inaugural season. Von Waldner is a member of the school’s third football recruiting class.
Smith said Von Waldner and Jackson, “Not only are good football players but they are good people.”