LUKE Jackson is officially a Demon.

Melbourne read out his name with pick No.3 in the 2019 National Draft, securing the 199cm tall on Wednesday night.

With a basketball background, Jackson is a natural athlete who can play all across the field.

The Perth-born 18-year-old is an exciting addition to the red and blue, and one the club’s National Recruiting Manager Jason Taylor believes will become a pivotal part of the team.

“He’s a competitive animal really,” Taylor told Melbourne Media.

“He’s a non-fuss competitor and I don’t think he’s going to be inhibited by the next level and the pressure that comes with it, so that adds to his package.

“He’s an excellent athlete – his endurance is probably his number one asset with the way he covers the ground throughout the game and follows up at ground level.

“He’s a very durable athlete, so very rarely is he off the ground. That will be one of his greatest strengths as well.”

To this point of his career, Jackson has impressed with his work in the ruck, but the possibilities for him in the future are endless.

“We’re not putting any limits on where he can play,” Taylor said.

“He’s played the majority of his football as a ruckman, he’s got good scope forward, but who knows – we’re just scratching the surface with him.

“It’s his competitiveness that is his number one thing.”

Jackson’s raw talent and hunger for the contest hasn’t been limited to the football field, with the Dees’ newest recruit proving to be a very capable sportsman.

“He’s a former Australian basketballer who was on the verge of going to college in America and he ended up choosing the AFL pathway,” Taylor said.

“His improvement, particularly post nationals this year, has been significant, and that’s where part of the projection comes with him.

“He’s only going to get better.”

And while fans would love to see the first round pick in full flight next season, Taylor said there is no rush for him to play senior footy.

“Do we think he could have an impact? Yes, we do, but the expectation isn’t that he has to,” he said.

“Even though he’s an early selection, that shouldn’t have a bearing on it.

“All players take time to mature and reach their best football.”

Jackson will pull on the red and blue for the first time when he hits the track at Gosch’s Paddock on Monday.