Former Hawthorn forward Jackson Ross has landed a scholarship with the University of Tennessee as he looks to hone his craft as a punter.
Ross was culled by the Hawks at the end of the 2020 season after failing to break into the senior side across three years at Waverley.
The 22-year-old ventured to VFL outfit Sandringham for last season, where he was limited to three matches as the league battled with the COVID pandemic.
A member of the 2018 Box Hill premiership side, Ross is now set to link up with the Knoxville-based college after plying his trade with Prokick Australia.
Taking to Twitter to announce his new venture, Ross expressed his excitement to head abroad.
โI am honoured to announce that I have committed to study and play football at The University of Tennessee on full scholarship,โ Ross wrote.
I am honoured to announce that I have committed to study and play football at The University of Tennessee on full scholarship.
I appreciate all the support, in particular from @ProkickAus, @JohnnyPKA and @tglees.@Vol_Football @coachjoshheupel @CoachEkelerUT #GBO #GoVols ๐ pic.twitter.com/RjGHl59BhA
— Jackson Ross (@_JacksonRoss) June 10, 2022
Ross will follow in the footsteps of former Magpie Flynn Appleby, who joined Rutgers' University as a punter following a period with Prokick.
Tennessee are placed in the top college division in the United States, placing Ross well within the frame of NFL scouts should he succeed at Neyland Stadium.