Harper's Hettiger, Jackson move on

Two Harper College football players freshman linebacker Dave Hettiger (Richards) and defensive back Deonte Jackson (Rich Central) signed national letteters of intent Wednesday.

“They're both impact players,” said Harper coach Eric Waldstein.

Jackson signed with Eastern Illinois, and Hettiger signed with Nebraska–Omaha.

Hettiger led the Hawks with 76 tackles last season and earned first-team all-region honors.

“Dave's a smart kid,” Waldstein said of Hettiger. “We kind of tried to talk him into staying another year, but it was just too good of an offer to pass up.”

Hettiger chose the Mavericks over South Dakota, which had also made an offer.

Because he accepted an offer from a Division II school, Hettiger will have three years of eligibility remaining.

“They run a class progam there,” Waldstein said of Nebraska-Omaha.

Waldstein is not sure how Hettiger will fit in with the 3-4 defense that Omaha runs.

The Mavericks finished 5-6 this season and compete in the Midwest Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

Waldstein knew Jackson would be moving on to Division I athletics at some point.

“When Deonte came in we knew he was going to be one and done,” Waldstein. “He really liked the coaching staff down there (at Eastern Illinois).”

One coach that stood out for Jackson is 27-year-old defensive backs coach Bobby Babich. If that name sounds familiar, it should he is the son of Bears assistant coach Bob Babich.

Jackson graduated high school with a 3.3 grade-point average.

He chose the Panthers over Alabama State, Central Michigan, Akron and Alabama A&M.

Waldstein figures Jackson will be worked into Eastern's nickel package durring spring practice in the team's cover-2 defense.

“It's a really good group of coaches,” said Waldstein. “I wouldn't hesitate to send anybody down there.”