Interview: 2017 DE Jordan Jackson Showing Out for Bishop O’Dowd during Senior Year

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

During any player’s senior season at the high school level, potential and upside should all be meeting with game time productivity. For Bishop O’Dowd High School’s Jordan Jackson, all the physical and mental aspects of the game are coming together at the right time.

Jackson started growing out of the potential ranks into a key player for the Dragons during his junior season. The 6-3, 232 pound, defensive end finished the 2015 season with 23 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 12 games. His upside was there netting an early offer from Hawaii in February. As colleges continued their spring evaluation period and Jackson took to the college camp circuit, he has added offers from Air Force, Army, Idaho, and New Mexico.

There are more reasons for colleges to come to the Oakland area during the 2016 season. Jackson is coming into his own, even though he is fighting through double-teams and plays going the other way. He has 16 tackles, five tackles for a loss, three sacks, and three quarterback hurries through five games. Recruiters wanting to see more of his athleticism can stick around when the Dragons are on offense to watch him play ironman football at left guard.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Jackson at the Dragons midway point through the season to find out how his personal play on the field is going and received a recruiting news update complete with interested programs.

Interview

Jordan, how is the season going for you personally thus far on defense?

“A lot of times we’ll either play a run or pass only team. The pass only teams move protection towards me. I don’t have a lot of opportunities for sacks but I have three sacks in five games. I get a lot of hurries. With the shift of the offense onto me, it makes everyone else’s job easier. If the running back is chipping me, the linebackers do not have to cover him. Against the run, I’m doing a good job setting the edge, fighting double-teams, and shedding blocks. I’m having a good season so far.”

What gains you have made with your game this season?

“I think my get off is a lot faster. From last year, I changed my stance. My footing was off. I have a quicker first step off the ball. I feel like I have done a good job with my technique. My pass rushing moves and run defense are improved. I have been working on running to the ball going the other way. Last year I struggled with tracking down plays across the field. This year I’m doing a great job of tracking down plays. I felt that was the only knock on me, not pursing the ball.”

Where all on the field are you playing this year?

“On defense, at end, and on offense I just started playing some left guard. The week before we were having troubles against Freedom (Sept. 23). I texted my coach after the game asking to play guard to help the team. He was happy about it. It paid off in the last game (beat James Logan 35-12). I think our quarterback only got sacked once. Overall we had a really good game. No penalties.”

I understand all games are exciting, but is there at least one game coming up you are a little more excited to play than the others?

“Definitely, Piedmont (Oct. 7). They’ve been talking about us since the beginning of the season. We went to their game in Week 1. Even the kids who were not playing were talking about beating us. Since then we’ve been fired up.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“San Diego State, Vanderbilt, University of San Diego, UNLV, and Boise State.”

Of the teams that have offered you (Hawaii, Air Force, Army, Idaho, and New Mexico), are any of the schools pushing a little bit harder than the other hoping to forge that necessary bond with you?

“They are all pretty consistent. They are all contacting me on a regular basis. Most text every day. I feel like I have a good relationship with all the coaches. I cannot pick one that has been more engaged than the others. I’m equal with all of them.”

Have you taken any visits yet or have any setup?

“I have not. I’m trying to schedule them but we don’t have bye weeks. I’m talking to coaches about when I can take a visit. Probably towards the end of the season I will start taking visits. I’m looking to take at least three of my official visits.”

There were a bunch of great college football games over the weekend. Which games did you watch that you found exciting?

“Actually the Louisville/Clemson game. My girlfriend is from Kentucky. She is a really big Louisville fan. She was pushing me to cheer for them. Their quarterback (Lamar Jackson) is really talented. That was a great game. I was pumped all game watching.”

Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: youtube.com; Jordan Jackson at a Rivals camp.

Photo credit: Jackson family; Jordan Jackson at Vanderbilt.

Photo credit: Hayden Aitchison; Jordan Jackson