By Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Christiansburg senior defensive back Jaxson Clarke has become the sixth Blue Demon player to play college football in the fall with his announcement that he will suit up for Virginia Military Institute (VMI).
Clarke calls the school a great one overall as the connections are limitless on and off the field.
“The school is a good size for me to have more one-on-one time in the classroom. The football program is great, and I really felt welcome there,” he said.
Virginia Military Institute is a public senior military college in Lexington, Va. It was founded in 1839 as America’s first state military college and is the oldest public senior military college in the country. The school has a current enrollment of 1,698 students.
VMI’s football team plays in the Southern Conference and finished 6-5 this past season.
The 6-2, 185-lb. Clarke finished his high school career with 60.5 tackles, including 43 solos and three tackles for loss. He also played receiver at Christiansburg and has the option to play both positions at his new school.
“The coaches have really made it feel like home, and that I was wanted there,” Clarke said. “They were straight up with me and told me basically I have a good frame and I am a good enough athlete to compete with the guys at practice.”
His overall goal is to graduate, have a successful four years of football, and leave VMI being the best version of himself he could be.
“I have a lot to learn in a lot of areas to improve, but I know I can benefit from attending VMI,” he said.
Clarke’s dad was in the military, and the former Blue Demon believes VMI’s daily routine will help make him a better person overall.
Clarke hopes to major in either psychology or business management.
