CB Nireek Sharpe to 'put on for the culture' at Jackson State

Stockbridge (Ga.) three-star cornerback Nireek Sharpe was blown away on his visit to Jackson State. Sharpe has committed to Jackson State over Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Michigan State and Nevada.

Sharpe fell in love with the culture, the coaching staff and the history around Jackson State. The three-star cornerback has taken note of the movement toward athletes making their way to Historically Black Universities. Travis Hunter, Kevin Coleman and others were on Sharpe’s mind throughout the process.

“What won me over was the staff,” Sharpe told On3. “It’s really just a great group of mentors. I see a group of men that can help great young men be successful, not just on the field but at life. I don’t think I’ve met a coaching staff like this. On top of that, it’s an HBCU. If I go there and ball, I’m putting on for the culture. A lot of people overlook HBCUs.”

Nireek Sharpe believes in the new era at Jackson State

Jackson State lost head coach Deion Sanders to Colorado this offseason. Sanders reached out to Sharpe about potentially following him to Boulder.

Sharpe declined, though as a cornerback the opportunity to play for Sanders was intriguing. The Stockbridge native loves the south. The location was something he heavily considered when it came to Jackson State and Colorado.

Sharpe feels Jackson State is still on an upward climb. New head coach TC Taylor has Sharpe’s confidence.

“I respect coach Sanders, he’s a great person and he’s changing kids’ lives left and right,” Sharpe said. “When they left, I just wanted to see what the new staff had in store for the program. The eyes will be on Jackson State with everything going. People want to know how they’re going to progress with Deion gone. I feel like this is a great time to be at Jackson State. We’re about to witness something great.”