Spain Park High School defensive lineman Jeremiah Jackson was named to the Alabama roster Oct. 8 for the 23rd annual Alabama-Mississippi football all-star game Dec. 12 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.

Jackson, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive tackle, has racked up 29 solo tackles and a sack during the Jaguars’ 5-1 start. Jackson, who committed to Arkansas in June, is the fifth Spain Park player to be named to the Alabama-Mississippi all-star game in three years. Linebacker Zach Payne and defensive end William Green were selected in 2007. Offensive lineman Jesse Grisham and defensive lineman Darrius McMullin were named to the Alabama squad in 2008.

“We’ve been well represented in the game,” said Spain Park head coach David Shores, who nominated Jackson for the team. “I’m very happy for Jeremiah and his family. He’s made himself into a fine player.”

Jackson said he’s pleased to be following in the footsteps of his former teammates.

“When you see your friends do it, you think it will be cool to do it too,” Jackson said. “I’m excited and it’s a huge honor to be playing in the game.”

The players were chosen by a special selection committee of the Alabama High School Athletic Director and Coaches Association from nominations submitted by Alabama High School Athletic Association member schools. Pelham linebacker Jake Holland, an Auburn commitment who leads the Panthers with an average of 16.8 tackles per game, was not selected for the game. Holland was nominated by Pelham head coach Brett Burnett.

Alabama owns a 15-7 edge in the series between the two states, which includes a 28-3 Alabama victory in 2008.

The 37-man Alabama roster features 14 players currently committed to Southeastern Conference schools. Jackson said he’s looking forward to representing the state of Alabama.

“It says a lot for our state,” Jackson said. “The practices will be fun and the competition will be good.”