2017 ATH Koilan Jackson Talks Commitment to Arkansas Razorbacks
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The Arkansas Razorbacks secured their ninth verbal commitment of the 2017 recruiting class on Friday, and snuck into 247Sports rankings at No. 21, when in-state wide receiver/athlete Koilan Jackson called the Hogs.
Jackson made a name for himself as a do-everything quarterback for Parkview High School during the 2015 season. The 6’3”, 203 pound, athlete topped his sophomore season when he produced 32 total touchdowns coming up with over 3,000 all-purpose yards finding the end zone 38 times for the Patriots during his junior campaign.
When older brother Kenyon Jackson (defensive tackle) signed with Illinois as part of the 2016 recruiting class, Koilan was taking his talents across town to Robinson High School. The Senators are a program on the rise with next level talents up and down the roster. Coach Todd Eskola will have his hands full with playmakers on both sides of the ball including a new dynamic weapon like Jackson.
During the offseason, Jackson has seen his recruiting stock take off with offers coming in from Illinois, Army, Louisiana-Monroe, and Memphis. The Hogs offered on March 14 landing Jackson before more national recruiting interest was drawn to the three-star recruit.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Jackson shortly after his commitment to the Hogs went public via Twitter to find out the inside scoop on how the big decision came about for one of the best players in the Natural State.
Interview
Koilan, before we get started, congratulations on your commitment to Arkansas.
“Thank you.”
Let’s jump into it. What influenced you to commit to Arkansas today?
“My family and my coaches. I talked to them about it and asked them if it was a good decision. They were on board with it so I committed.”
What personally drew you to Arkansas?
“Arkansas is like a home to me. I grew up here. I grew up knowing all the coaches, the campus, and everything there is to know about Arkansas. All of that made my decision easy.”
How did the commitment take place?
“I called Coach (Bret) Bielema (head coach) and committed to him.”
What was the reaction of Coach Bielema when you committed to him? Did he think the call was just a regular phone call ahead of time?
“I’m not sure if he thought it was a regular call or not. I think he knew I was calling to commit. He sounded really excited when I told him.”
What did Coach Bielema say to you when you officially committed?
“He said “that’s great” and he said “welcome to the family, we are glad to have you.” He also said “big things are happening.”
How long ahead of time did you know you were going to commit to Arkansas?
“I’d say less than a week.”
You knew for a few days you were about to commit or wanted to commit. With all of that build up, how did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?
“I was kind of nervous. I did not rehearse the call ahead of time. I did not know what to say.”
What did you tell him when he got on the phone?
“I told him how everything went with my evaluation and all of the thought I gave my decision. Then I told him I was committing to Arkansas.”
Is there a sense of relief that your recruiting process is over now?
“Yes. I don’t have to think about it anymore.”
Do you still plan to take your official visits during your senior season?
“No. I’m not taking any more visits.”
Was there another school that had offered you that made your commitment to Arkansas a tough decision?
“No.”
Are you going to start recruiting other players to join you at Arkansas?
“Of course.”
Do you know which players yet?
“Not yet.”
When do you plan on visiting the Arkansas campus next?
“Sometime this summer more than likely.”
Do you plan on being an early enrollee?
“No.”
Just to make sure, which position is Arkansas bringing you in to play? Are they bringing you on as a wide receiver or as an athlete?
“As a wide receiver.”
Last question, what are you doing tonight to celebrate your commitment?
“Probably not much, my dad is out of town. I just had some pizza.”
Koilan, again, congratulations on your commitment to Arkansas.
“Thank you.”
Arkansas Razorbacks 2017 Verbal Commitment List (9)
LB Derrick Munson, 6-0, 195, Archbishop Rummel, Metairie, LA
OL/DL Shane Clenin, 6-6, 285, Jefferson HS, Festus, MO
OL/DT Dwayne Fisher, 6-5, 300, John Ehret HS, Marrero, LA
OT Kirby Adcock, 6-5, 280, Nashville HS, Nashville, AR
QB Daulton Hyatt, 6-3, 178, Etowah HS, Attalla, AL
WR Maleek Barkley, 5-11, 185, Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas, NV
WR Jarrod Barnes, 5-11, 170, Cabot HS, Cabot, AR
WR Koilan Jackson, 6-3, 203, Robinson HS, Little Rock, AR
WR/ATH Devion Warren, 5-10, 170, Ouachita Parish HS, Monroe, LA
Photo credit: scout.com; Koilan Jackson at practice.
Photo credit: twitter.com; Koilan Jackson at Arkansas.
Photo credit: Brian Maupin; Koilan Jackson trying on Arkansas gear during unofficial visit.