DENTON, Texas (12/19/08) North Texas head football coach Todd Dodge has announced the signing of wide receivers Jamaal Jackson and Mike Outlaw along with defensive back Ira Smith to National Letters of Intent. All three will be eligible for spring practice and have two years of eligibility with North Texas.

Jackson, a standout receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College, was a second-team All-Mississippi junior college selection this past season as he caught 41 passes for 500 yards.

“We have Jamaal projected as a slot receiver,” said Dodge. “He is very versatile and has a great blend of speed and athleticism that will bring kick returning ability to us.”

Outlaw comes to North Texas after a breakout season at East Mississippi College. Outlaw was 12^th in the nation in receptions with 46 catches for 624 yards. He was named to the 2008 MACJC All-State North Division First Team.

“Mike had a tremendous sophomore year,” said Dodge. “He’s a guy that brings a real speed presence and is a potential return option for us. He can play both outside and inside receiver, but we project him as an outside guy.”

Smith arrives in Denton after playing for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College last season. He had three interceptions to go along with 14 passes broken up and 52 tackles on the year.  Smith had a key interception in the inaugural Mississippi Bowl to propel the Bulldogs to a 41-7 victory.

“From a pure cover standpoint, Ira a guy that has tremendous ball skills,” said Dodge. “We are just thrilled to be able to bring him in January. Ira will be a great addition to the young defensive backs that we signed last year.”

All three players will be on the campus of the University of North Texas in January and will participate in spring football in March and April.