By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Luke Jackson was one of the breakout defensive stars of St. Charles Catholic’s Class 3A state championship run in 2011. He didn’t let down in 2012.

The linebacker-turned-defensive end was named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 3A All-State team, capping a senior season that saw him help lead the Comets to a second consecutive District 7-3A championship.

Comets’ offensive lineman Luke Cali, defensive lineman Taylor Cochran, and kicker Patrick Juneau were named honorable mention.

Jackson registered 13.5 sacks this season to go along with 68 tackles and two blocked punts.

The 6-foot-3-inch, 215-lb. senior committed to Tulane earlier this year.

“He was a major centerpiece of our defense,” said St. Charles coach Frank Monica. “His quickness off the edge was something that we very much needed … along with the sacks, he also had a number of hurries.  He’s a guy that can take his game to another level.

“It’s all in his hands, and I hope and pray to see that come to fruition, because he’s got a great deal of potential.”

Monica said that Jackson boasts a combination of size, speed and intelligence that made him an attractive target for Tulane’s recruiting efforts.

“He’s a very intelligent kid, with over a 3.0 grade point average and a very high ACT score,” said Monica. “He’s only 17, not even 18 yet, so he’s not done maturing.

“He created mismatches for us. He’s quicker than most offensive tackles and bigger and stronger than most backs.”