Interview: 2018 Arkansas Talent Logan Jessup Showing His D-I Abilities Along Defensive Line

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Since 2014, Wynne High School has been one of the winningest programs in the state of Arkansas. The Yellowjackets have a compiled record of 34-8 from 2014-16 with two appearances in the 5A championship game. The 2017 squad is off to a 3-0 start picking up momentum to once again make a state title run. One correlation of success in the win-loss column to the play on the field in recent years has been Class of 2018 defensive lineman Logan Jessup.

Jessup firmly entrenched himself as a next level prospect during his junior year playing defensive end tallying 62 tackles, 32 tackles for a loss, five sacks, and two interceptions with teams keying on him after an impressive sophomore campaign. Opposing Arkansas offensive coordinators were wise taking the action to the other side of the field after Jessup put an end to 78 plays with 21 tackles for a loss and seven sacks along with a pick in 2015. The 6-3, 265 pound, play-maker is continuing his high level of play during his senior season putting together a three-game stat line of 16 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, three sacks, seven quarterback hurries, and two blocked punts playing the 3-technique in the Yellowjackets’ defensive front.

College coaches are becoming increasingly aware of Jessup’s abilities and versatility with nine offers extended to date. As the 2017 season gets deeper into action and college programs start to feel the pressure of filling in key spots in their upcoming recruiting class, Jessup’s attention by college programs is sure to see a big increase. Regional programs showing early interest includes Missouri, Memphis, Louisiana Tech, Tulane, Auburn and in-state D-I powers Arkansas State and Arkansas, among others.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Jessup ahead of a big 5A showdown with Blytheville getting his thoughts on the Yellowjackets season to date while receiving a recruiting news update.

Interview

Logan, Wynne has started off with a 3-0 record and is ranked No. 10 in the state by MaxPreps, what all are the Yellowjackets doing well contributing to the hot streak?

“We are playing great defense. Our priorities are defense, special teams, and then offense. Week 1 we went to Marion, the defense had two safeties and two pick-sixes. I got one of the safeties. We beat them there (24-20). They are a bigger school (6A). That was the first time in 13 years we’ve beaten them.”

How has the season begun for you on the field?

“I’m not playing defensive end this year, I am playing a 3-technique. Playing the 3-technique gives me more one-on-one match-ups with linemen. I am benefiting from it against the pass and I can play the run more. We are setting the tone and making plays up front. It adds fuel to the fire. We have a very talented defense.”

What are you doing better this year over your junior season?

“Overall, I am playing better. Last year my D-line coach was the defensive coordinator too. This year we have a defensive ends coach who played at Arkansas-Monticello and another defensive line coach that played at Louisville. The coaches can relate well with us and have taught us a lot. What I have improved on the most is my footwork and hand placement. I’m using different stances this year. I went to a bunch of college camps over the summer that helped a lot.”

How are offenses attacking you on each play?

“It is hard to double-team a guy in a 3-technique, you can’t double-team him. They are rolling away and running away from me. We went up against a T-offense. They came to my side then. I would get a down block from the tackle, but it would be a wash.”

Of the three games played, which game was your best and why?

“In Week 1, I had two sacks and a safety in a four-point win. We won 24-20. In Week 2 (vs. Maumelle), I had two sacks, a blocked punt, and some tackles for a loss.”

Have you gone up against a lineman that has challenged you yet this year?

“Honestly, we played a 6A school Week 1, they did a good job. Friday night we play Blytheville and Larry Clark. Larry and I have gone after it since junior high. That is always a fun one. They have two D-I linemen on their team. Clark has multiple offers. Both of their tackles are big – I’m looking forward to that.”

Which games left on the schedule are you excited to play?

“Pulaski Academy. They are not on our schedule but I hope we play them in the playoffs. In 2014, they beat us in the championship game in Little Rock (38-28). They beat us (35-21) in 2015 here and in 2016 in the championship game (55-16). They have a lot of talent on their team. I think they have two D-I commits on their offensive line. If we can play them, that would be exciting.”

Last time we spoke you had a ton of schools showing recruiting interest in you. Where does that list stand now?

“The latest I am hearing from is Arkansas State, I have talked to them a little bit, Western Kentucky, I went to a camp there, and Tulsa, I went to a camp there as well. I am hearing a lot from the schools that have offered me. They are always checking in with me.”

Which schools have offered you?

“Army, Missouri State, Louisiana-Monroe, Southeast Missouri State, Stephen F. Austin, and Air Force. I have D-II offers from Ouachita Baptist, Arkansas Tech, and Harding.”

Did you visit any schools over the summer?

“Yes, sir. I went to Western Kentucky, Tulsa, and a late visit to Arkansas State.”

Have you taken any visits yet this fall?

“I took an unofficial to ULM (Louisiana-Monroe).”

How did the visit to ULM go?

“It went great. When my mom and I went in February, their defensive line coach was not there. I got to meet Coach (Manny) Michel this time. I really like it there. Coach (Matt) Viator is taking things up. I went there for the Southern Miss game. They lost 28-17 to a good team. They were close.”

Do you have any upcoming visits?

“No.”

What are you looking for in the school and football program you may commit to when the time is right?

“First, a school that offers the degree I want in kinesiology. I want to play for a guy that cares just as much about how I am doing as how well I am playing football; some people call them player’s coaches. With ULM, I am in the process of getting to know the coaches better.”

Logan, thanks for your time today and good luck in the big showdown against Blytheville.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Wynne Progress; No. 9 Logan Jessup with the sack

Photo credit: Wynne Progress; No. 9 Logan Jessup pre-snap

Photo credit: Jessup family; Logan Jessup at Louisiana-Monroe (Sept. 2017)