Inlet Grove football hires former Glades Central head coach Rashad Jackson

Inlet Grove is turning to another former head coach from the Muck to lead its prep football program.

Athletic director Hikeem Banks announced the hiring of former Glades Central head coach Rashad Jackson on Wednesday evening.

He'll lead the Hurricanes after the departure of former Pahokee head coach and alum Alphonso Smith in January.

Jackson led the Raiders for two seasons, including a second-round playoff appearance last fall. He finished 5-2 with a semifinal appearance in the Tri-County championship his first year. 

"It means a lot to be able to stay local, help the kids out and build my community," Jackson said. "At the same time, I'm able to be around my family and enjoy those great moments." 

More Coaching Changes:Parents, players protest firing of Park Vista football head coach Leonard Weaver III

More Preps:Palm Beach Central soccer's historic season continues with first region title

Free Newsletter:Check out the latest from State of Florida Recruiting H.Q.

Although he served a relatively short stint at his alma mater, The Post's Small Schools Co-Coach of the Year for 2020 had 24 scholarship recruits, including nine in his most recent class of seniors.

Jackson has past experience coaching at charter schools, including time as defensive coordinator at Oceanside Collegiate Academy  in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Jackson already has an idea of the athletes he'll be relying on most ahead of spring ball and the upcoming season, namely "dynamic" rising sophomore Legend Felican, who he compared to NFL wide receiver Peter Warrick.

Returner and receiver Timothy Mann Jr., "rover" safety Christian Martin, sizeable athlete Teremun "TJ" Lott and linebacker Samuel Bryant, as well as speedy junior Kian Johnson, were mentioned as fellow players of note.

"With me being familiar with charter schools – for me to be able to go in and build young men and turn around a program is very exciting to me," Jackson said, looking forward to have the opportunity to establish "a foundation" for a "successful program."

Inlet Grove finished 3-7 last season after the Hurricanes did not field a football team in 2020.