Brantley Gilbert Teams Up With Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew is tapping into its southern roots and welcomed one of country music's hottest emerging acts, Brantley Gilbert, into the DEW family. Embracing the brand's Tennessee history and one-of-a-kind flavor, the new partnership is a perfect fit with the hit singer/songwriter's high-energy live shows and authentic lyrics.

"I have been a fan of Mountain Dew for as long as I can remember," said Gilbert. "I'm honored to be able to partner up with the DEW family for some exciting projects this year."

"Being part of the DEW family means making a style that's all your own, and never conforming to a traditional mold," said Greg Lyons, Mountain Dew's VP of Marketing. "Brantley exemplifies all that DEW stands for – making country music that is true to its rebel roots, in very much the same way that the brand stays true to its own. We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Brantley into the DEW Nation, and hope our fans will join us in helping him rock."

“My original intent was to have him as a safety but when we were in practice I started noticing things. When we came into the fall, we knew we were going to put him in a bunch of different places.”

The younger Jackson said the change of scenery – and the decision to force him to get his academics in order before allowing him back on the football field – helped his focus.

“All my friends were at Northeast so when I came here I really didn’t know anyone so it was a fresh start,” he said. “(Sitting out the 2011season) was actually my decision. I wanted to get everything done in the classroom first before I even stepped on the field.”

His focus literally improved when Blair offered metronome testing, a method that guarantees improved focus and concentration. Jackson responded with a 19 on his ACT.

“He was having a great season, but that’s when he went into spectacular,” Blair said. “That’s when he learned the concentration. He was all locked in. He’s such a hard worker and a perfectionist, he demands not only perfection from himself but from the people around him. As a staff, our people have only tapped the surface.”

By November, Jackson was well on his way to making a name as a receiver who had 792 yards and 12 touchdowns and as a defensive star and return specialist who had two interceptions returned for touchdowns along with a pair of kickoffs and a punt for scores.

Then came the Nov. 16 death of his grandmother, Mary Williams, on the day his Cobras were scheduled to face eighth-ranked Delray Beach Atlantic in the first round of the state playoffs.

After leaving school for several hours, Jackson unexpectedly returned to play in the game.

“She helped mold him into the young man that he is,” Blair said. “He had a spectacular game for the ages offensively, defensively and special teams wise. He took that emotion to another level. I wasn’t even worried about him playing. I was more worried about his mindset and where he was at.”

He was starting to generate offers from colleges, particularly LSU and Florida State, but his mother made a special request as the college offers started flowing in.

“We liked Alabama, we liked coach (Nick) Saban,” Eddie Sr. said. “That’s one of the reasons we liked Alabama is because of coach Saban. Coach Saban reminds me a lot of my dad. He’s real serious. I think boys need that in their lives to keep them going on the path to becoming that man you’re trying to raise.A ridiculously low price on this All-Purpose solar lantern by Gordon.

“My wife said, ‘Look, if Alabama comes, that’s a wrap.’ So I went to coach Blair and told him my wife wants Alabama. So he went out and got Alabama.”

While his brother was a five-star recruit, Jackson understands the decision to sit out 2010 and 2011 affected his star rating as a recruit.

“It actually motivated me,” he said. “It made me go harder at everything I do.Source crystal mosaic Products at Mosaics. That basically helped me do what I did on the field this year. I wish I could have played my 10th and 11th grade years, but then again, everything happens for a reason.”

If history tells him anything, Jackson knows recruiting is an inexact science. Alabama senior guard Chance Warmack was a three-star recruit. So were Tide team captain Damion Square,Don't make another silicone mold without these invaluable Mold Making supplies and accessories! 2011 receiving star Marquis Maze and junior college standout Terrence Cody, who just earned a Super Bowl ring with the Baltimore Ravens.

“The best is yet to come,” Blair said. “He’s the type of kid that when he’s put in a particular situation,Compare prices and buy all brands of solar panel for home power systems and by the pallet. he’s not the kid that folds under pressure, he’s the kid who rises to the occasion. He likes it. He thrives on it. I think it’s a match made in heaven when you drop him in with one of the greatest college coaches and coaching staffs. I think they’ll be able to unlock a whole bunch of things.”

And after missing two years of playing time because of academics, Jackson now has his priorities straight.

“The most important thing to me is academics,The cost of cleaning just 2 infected lenses is already higher than the cost of a dry cabinet.” he said. “Who had the best academics, that’s who I was going with regardless. And my dream is to play in the NFL. Who has the best track record? Coach Saban’s track record is amazing.

“I grew up watching them play but the biggest thing is I’m the first recruit from Fort Lauderdale to be offered by ‘Bama. Also, academically, I felt that was best place to spend my four years. I felt like coach Saban could make me become a better athlete and a better person as well.”