Gaffney ace signs with South Carolina Upstate

Gaffney High pitcher Bobby Jackson signs a grant-in-aid with University of South Carolina Upstate on Wednesday. Jackson is joined at the signing by his parents, Reggie and Sally, GHS principal Marlene Davis and coaches Brandon Gardner and Jeff Omsent. Bobby Jackson, a pitcher from Gaffney High, is coveted by college coaches because he possesses a 91 mph fastball, an above-average curveball and the ability to change pitching angles without sacrificing his control.

He attracted interest from Coastal Carolina, College of Charleston, Anderson, Gardner-Webb and Clemson but decided to sign a national letter of intent Wednesday with University of South Carolina Upstate.

"I liked it and it's close to home," said Jackson, who was joined at the signing by his family, school administrators and coaches."

The school's coaches and facilities also were selling points, Jackson said.

"It's a pitcher's ballpark," he said.

Jackson said he expects to see immediate playing time with the Spartans as a reliever with a chance to work his way into the starting rotation.

By his junior year, USC Upstate will be eligible for Division I postseason play.

"When the 2009 recruiting class are juniors they hope to make a strong push for the postseason," Jackson said. "I'm looking forward to playing. They play a tough non-conference schedule against some of the best teams in the country. I look forward to beating these teams to become a good program.

The Spartans' schedule includes Tennessee, Clemson and the University of South Carolina.

Jackson was the ace of the Indians' staff a year ago with a team-leading 65 strikeouts in 48 innings of work. He allowed 47 strikeouts and 18 walks.

He also was a potent bat in the lineup with a .328 batting average. He knocked in 11 runs with four doubles and a triple.

Jackson is also a stalwart on American Legion Post 109, where he batted .365.