Jackson Drafted by Real Salt Lake of MLS

Daniel Jackson became the first soccer player in Coker history to be drafted today.

January 21, 2014

Senior forward selected in 4^th Round

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College men's soccer player Daniel Jackson has been drafted by Real Salt Lake in the 2014 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. He was the 13^th selection in the fourth round (70^th overall). Jackson is the first soccer player to be drafted in Coker history.

"It is such a blessing, honor and, most of all, surreal feeling to be drafted by a Major League Soccer team," said Jackson. "I'd like to thank the Coker coaching staff for helping me reach this point. I am forever grateful and indebted to coach (Paul) Leese and coach (Mike) Moya for giving me the chance to play Division II soccer.

"I would also like to thank the Real Salt Lake organization for this fantastic opportunity to play professional soccer. I am just extremely elated right now."

Jackson will leave Coker to pursue a professional career. Real Salt Lake players have to report to Salt Lake City, Utah, for an entrance physical on Fri, Jan. 24. Preseason training begins Saturday, Jan. 25 in Casa Grande, Ariz.

A forward, Jackson was a two-year starter for the Cobras after transferring from Cumberland University. As a senior, Jackson had 14 goals – including three game-winners – and two assists as he led Coker to a 9-5-3 overall record. The 14 goals were a single-season team record and good for second-best in the South Atlantic Conference.

Additionally, Jackson was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America 2013 NCAA Division II Men's Soccer All-Southeast Region third team, the Daktronics All-Southeast Region second team and the All-South Atlantic Conference third team. He was also the SAC men's soccer player of the week Nov. 5 after tallying five goals and one assist in two victories. Four of those goals came in one of those wins, tying a school record for most in one match.

As a junior, Jackson scored five goals – with two game-winners – in his first season at Coker. He was named Conference Carolinas third team all-conference as the Cobras went 12-4-1 overall and finished the season ranked 10^th in the Southeast regional poll.

"This is a tremendous achievement for Daniel and a great achievement for Coker men's soccer," said head men's soccer coach Paul Leese. "It demonstrates the growth of our program that we can attract and produce players of this caliber. I have seen Daniel grow immensely during the last two years. He is a humble, honest and respectful young man. Daniel deserves every ounce of his success, and I am very proud of him. I am excited to watch Daniel play on the professional stage this year and look forward to following his career."

Originally from Silver Springs, Md., Jackson was a computer science major at Coker. He is the son of Toni Moore and Clinton Davis.

Jackson is the second student-athlete from Coker to be drafted by a professional sports team within the past year. Zach Loraine, a pitcher from the baseball team, was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2013 Amateur Draft in June.

For the full release from Real Salt Lake, as well as its preseason schedule, visit here.

For more information, contact Chris Dougherty, manager of college and athletic media relations, at 843-383-8018 or cdougherty@coker.edu.

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Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.