Applewhite, "He's not Leaving"

Star Jackson, a coveted quarterback from Palm Beach, Fla., told The Birmingham News that Applewhite informed him Thursday night that "he's not leaving. He's going to stick there. The only way he's leaving is if he gets fired."

As for Jackson, the 6-foot-3, 185-pounder is considered one of the nation's best quarterbacks, along with being the only player at his position on Alabama's commitment list.

Jackson said he and Applewhite "have a trust level that is pretty high" so he believes the coach when he said he does not plan to leave.

"He's one of the reasons I want to go (to Alabama)," Jackson said. "He just got here. Why would he want to try and find something else or another head coaching job? He informed me that whatever happens with Nick, he wants to stay with Nick. And Nick's not going anywhere, either."