Interview: 2017 DE Jordan Jackson Previews California Title Game vs. Capital Christian

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Leadership is a rare trait that can come forward in sports in many ways. One common way is by example, showing teammates how to go about things the correct way. Another action is being a vocal leader pumping up or straightening out the players on the roster in times of need. A leadership trait harder to come by is selflessness, the act of sacrificing one’s own personal goals or potential well-being for the betterment of the team. Few times are all three leadership traits rolled into one, but Bishop O’Dowd’s senior defensive end Jordan Jackson maybe that guy.

The Dragons started their 2016 season 3-0 before taking a whipping at home by Freedom High School. The 48-13 defeat showed the guys there was a lot of work left to be done and championships are not handed out in the first month of the season. Taking notice of what could be done for the betterment of the team, Jackson spoke with head coach Napoleon Kaufman about adding another position to his list of responsibilities, playing offensive guard.

Since the switch, the Dragons have gone on a 10-game winning streak pushing their way into the CIF Division 3 Championship Game. Jackson’s actions were noted by others prompting a change where other players were willing to potentially sacrifice their top play at one position to be solid across the board at multiple positions. In Jackson’s case, the additional duties along the offensive line has not been a hindrance but a blessing in disguise in more ways than one.

Jackson has stepped up his game on defense becoming an even bigger force in the playoffs. Through 14 games played, the 6-3, 234 pound, playmaker has tallied and estimated 44 solo tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, and 15 quarterback hurries. On offense, Jackson has helped blow open holes for Class of 2019 talent Austin Jones on his way to a 1,500-yard season with 24 rushing touchdowns. The passing game has been effective with Joe Deluca throwing for 1,811 yards with 25 touchdowns against just four picks.

In the playoffs, the Dragons have rolled past Terra Linda (56-14), Encinal (28-0), Rancho Cotate (37-34), and Marin Catholic (27-7). The last school on the list to take the hardware home as state champs is Capital Christian.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Jackson covering the Dragons’ run to the state title game while getting a quick overview on his growing recruiting process.

Interview

Jordan, what is the difference in the team from the loss in Week 4 to Freedom (Oakley, CA) to how the team has played towards the end of the season?

“Not to be cocky, to be honest with you I started playing offensive line. That helped start a trend. More guys started playing on both sides of the ball filling in gaps where we needed help. That helped bring some physicality we we’re lacking. Now we are more physical and have asserted our dominance on the field. We were slow to start a lot of our games early in the season. Now we are coming out fast, physical, and smart from the start. All of those things, since that game, has made a big difference. We have cut down on our penalties, the defense is flying around making plays, and our line is mowing people over. Austin Jones has been playing well too.”

How has the playoffs challenged you so far?

“The playoffs has forced me to step my game up. At the end of the season I was playing better and better. In the playoffs I have played my best. Each game can be my last. I want to be a force. In the playoffs I feel like I have done that. We have gone up against lot of passing teams in the playoffs. My strength is pass rushing. I have had more opportunities to impact the game because of that. I have helped stop those pass heavy teams. That has allowed me to show my skills and be dominate.

*Partial playoff stats: Terra Linda – two tackles and one touchdown; Encinal – six tackles, one sack, two tackles for a loss; Rancho Cotate – eight tackles, two sacks, two quarterback hurries, and three tackles for a loss; Marin Catholic – four tackles, 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble.

How did the Marin Catholic game go for you? Did you have a good game?

“Oh, yeah. For me, I feel like I had really good game. I was able to dissect the tackle I was going against. He was 6-6, 280. Right off the bat I knew I had to get off the ball fast, use leverage, and fakes to get around him. I was making myself versatile, each pass rush move was different. I showed no tendencies with my variation of moves. My get off is always the same, fast. That can make a tackle nervous. In the run game I was holding my gap. If the tackle was trying to get on the linebacker I would slide down. I did a really good job of holding the gaps and exploiting their weaknesses.

For our team, our defense came out and played lights out. They were averaging 371 passing yards a game. Their quarterback had 85 passing yards. We held them to 133 yards of total offense. We shut down their offense. We felt our offense was good enough to go against their defense. We held them to seven points after they were scoring over 30 points a game.”

What challenges does Capital Christian (11-2) in the state final present for the Dragons?

“For the team, they have a lot of good skill position players. Their QB (Jacob Norville) is good. One of their receivers (Julian Leslie) is their main guy. He opens up opportunities for others. They have a balanced team with a good run attack. As a team we are looking good on D. I’m looking forward to figuring out their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll hone in on their defensive strengths.”

How is playing offensive line coming along for you overall?

“Since I have started playing o-line, it has been easier to stay in the game. Playing four downs and sitting downs takes you out of the game. Playing on the line keeps you warm and active. I don’t get tired. When the fourth quarter comes, the guys we are going against are panting and wearing down. It has forced me to be in better shape. All our guys are showing better conditioning that our opponents.”

Switching over to recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“West Point, Hawaii, and Boise State came up to the school this week. Holy Cross came for a home visit. On Tuesday, Army came. Everything else is pretty much the same. Brown and UNLV are showing interest too.

Which schools have extended offers to you?

“Hawaii, Air Force, Army, Idaho, New Mexico, Holy Cross, and University of San Diego.”

Do you have any official visits set up?

“I have one set up for next week depending on if we win or lose. That visit is to Holy Cross. That will be my first one. Hawaii and West Point are visits I am planning on taking as well.”

With the Holy Cross official, what are excited about that visit if it happens?

“I’m excited to see how their team is looking. I want to learn their schedule for off-season workouts. Education is something that is important to me. I want to get a great education and play with a great football program. If a school has both of those, that works for me. I want to get into their academics. There is that part after football you need.”

What did you score on the ACT and/or the SAT?

“The first time I took the SAT I got an 1110 but I did not do the essay part. I took it a second time in November. This time I did the essay. I took the ACT in October scoring a 22.”

Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck in the championship game.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: The Mercury News; No. 56 Jordan Jackson.

Photo credit: Jackson family; Jordan Jackson after a Dragons’ win.