2016 California CB Lamar Jackson Discusses Commitment to Nebraska
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
On Thursday, Jan. 28, Lamar Jackson released his Top 3 schools via Recruiting News Guru, placing the lucky three out of 25 Division-I scholarship offers down to Nebraska, Arizona, and Arizona State.
The push-and-pull for the 6’2”, 205 pound, speed burner was building. Everyone seemingly wanted the Under Armour All-American Game selection on their roster at the next level. Many Nebraska fans felt the Franklin High School (Cali.) star was a lock to head to the Cornhuskers, but crazier things have happened. After an epic commitment video released in conjunction with the Bleacher Report on Tuesday, the deal was sealed and now Nebraska fans know there is no turning back for the No. 1 overall rated safety, per Rivals, in the nation before the madness of National Signing Day on Wednesday.
Catching up with Jackson after he dropped the video, with an overwhelming response, I got the background story on how the video came together along with how his commitment to Nebraska went down.
Interview
Lamar, congratulations on your public commitment to Nebraska today. Last time we talked you said you were a silent commitment. How did that commitment take place?
“I talked to Coach (Mike) Riley (head coach), Coach (Brian) Stewart, and Coach (Keith) Williams, all the coaches.”
When you spoke with Coach Riley, what was his response when you told him you were committing?
“He was thrilled. He said I was a big piece of the Nebraska recruiting class and the future is bright for me and the Cornhuskers.”
When did you do your silent commit to Nebraska?
“A week ago, I think it was on Thursday. I called letting them know I wanted to be a part of their class and about the video.”
I’ll get to the video in a minute. Your final three were Nebraska, Arizona State, Arizona. What led you to commit to Nebraska over the other two programs?
“They had the total package. The fan base, the coaching staff, and the defensive scheme I wanted to play in. They answered all the questions I had and they were able to get me the number I wanted. They were great to my family. My mom thought Nebraska would be a good place for me to go to school.”
You mentioned Nebraska’s defensive scheme, how will they use you in their defense?
“I’m going to start learning the playbook while I’m still here. They are going to play me at boundary corner. Once I get the playbook down, they want to play me some offense as well.”
What about on special teams?
“That’s a possibility.”
What has been the immediate feedback on your commitment video? It seems to have gone over really well so far.
“Everyone reporters, coaches, and the players have all liked it. I’ve received a good response from everyone.”
How did the commitment video with the Bleacher Report come about for you?
“They came to me at the Opening and asked me if I would be interested. I said yes then and stuck to my commitment. We’ve brainstormed about different ideas throughout the time. I came up with ideas and would share them with them and then we shot it.”
How long did it take to shoot the video?
“Two days.”
When do you report to Nebraska?
“In June.”
Lamar, good luck at Nebraska and congratulations on the success of your commitment video.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: abc10.com; Lamar Jackson.