UTM senior linebacker Markeseo Jackson (6-0, 220) has been invited to participate in the Magnolia Grid Iron Classic Dec. 23 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss.

The Magnolia Grid Iron Classic is for the college player whose team has not been invited to a bowl game but has the potential to make it to the NFL. The game will feature Division I Bowl Championship Series players versus Division I Football Championship Series (formally I-AA) players. Division II and NAIA players will fill out the final roster spots.

“This game gives me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing in the NFL,” Jackson said.

Jackson is scheduled to arrive in Jackson, Miss., Sunday, Dec. 17 for daily practices and an NFL combine.

Jackson led the Skyhawks with 54 solo tackles and 88 total tackles. He had six tackles for a loss and four sacks. He also had six pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.

Jackson earned second team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors and was among 32 players nominated for the Buck Buchanan Award, Division I-AA’s Best Defensive Player honor.

Jackson, who prepped at Memphis Overton, helped lead the Skyhawks to a 9-3 overall record, a 6-1 OVC worksheet and the OVC championship.

The game is expected to receive national television coverage.

The Magnolia Classic matches a Red team, composed of players from Division I-A schools not participating in bowl games, and from certain NAIA schools, against a White team composed of players from Division I-AA, II and III schools.