2020 Oklahoma QB Daniel Jackson Talks Recruiting and College Camp Schedule

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2018 season was a revelatory time for Class of 2020 quarterback Daniel Jackson. The dual-threat spent 2017 on the sidelines but took to the gridiron with Jones High School like a man on fire showing no ills signs of a layoff throwing for 2,086 yards with 24 scores and rushed for 150 with six trips into the end zone. Guiding the Longhorns offense turned into a 10-2 year for Jones High School with the 5-10, 188-pound, gunslinger catching the eye of regional college football programs along the way. The proving grounds of the offseason are coming up fast with numerous college camps on the schedule for Jackson to help propel his growing recruiting interest.

In an RNG catch-up interview, Jackson and I sat down covering his junior year on the field and busy summer camp schedule.

Interview

Daniel, the 2018 season was a big one for you throwing for over 2,000 yards. What was working for you allowing you to have such a productive season?

“It was more of a credit to my offensive linemen. They gave me time and made a commitment into protecting me so I can throw. We had a lot of skill on the outside, and we are young. I am looking forward to that this year with everyone coming back. We built a bond within the team, that fueled the season. That connection helped us convert and will help us this year as well.”

What type of offense do the Longhorns execute?

“We run a spread-RPO (run-pass option). We are really big on the RPO. Our philosophy is RPO, but we are balanced. Even with our running plays, we can check out into a pass or check into a run on a throwing play.”

How does the offense fit your skillset?

“I believe the RPO offense is the best offense for my skillset. With me being shorter, I can make moves with my legs, I make quick-fast decisions and I can exploit defenses with my arm and my legs.”

Your game reel shows your talents escaping pressure and throwing on the run. Which other areas of your game saw a big jump in improvement during your junior campaign?

“I would say my decision making really progressed. My processing of breaking down what I am seeing from the defense and making better decisions off the defense all improved greatly.”

Is there an area of your game that might get overlooked?

“My running game is something that gets overlooked. The stats on my rushing yards are not great, but we did not use my legs as much. But this season there will be more of the QB run game. I am getting faster this offseason. My ability to run the ball is not a hidden point to my game, but a point that might be able to be expressed even more this season.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I am working mainly on being consistent with my perfection of mechanics. I am working on my speed and gaining weight. I want to be at 195 pounds by the start of the season.”

How is working with QB Impact making a difference for you?

“It is a good source for me to take reps, and do them the right way, while focusing on being consistent and precise with my mechanics and throws.”

Are you going to compete at any camps coming up?

“Yes. I am going to camps at Arkansas Tech, East Central University, Texas State, Texas Southern, an OBU Mega Camp, an ACU camp, SFU, Wofford College, and an Emporia State camp.”

Wow. You will be busy this summer. Which schools are you receiving interest from now?

“I am receiving interest from some D-II schools in Oklahoma, East Central, UCO, Pitt State, Emporia State, and Wofford College. Those schools are showing the most interest.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits from the start of the 2018 season to date?

“Yes. I took a visit during the season. I went on game day visits to Emporia, East Central, and Pitt State. I have taken Junior Day visits the past two weekends, first to Abilene Christian and this weekend I went to Northwestern Oklahoma State.”

How did the Abilene Christian visit go?

“It was good. I was there for their spring game. We got to see what they will look like in the upcoming year. I believe in their values down there, and they have a great staff.”

And Northwestern Oklahoma State, how did that go?

“It was good. It was a personal visit. We got to meet every coach. I had conversations with the coaches. I got to figure out about their character and who they are as people. I also saw their spring game and toured the facilities.”

Which planned visits do you have set?

“I am going to Arkansas Tech this Thursday, then this weekend I am going to Pitt State, and the weekend after that I am going to East Central Oklahoma. I am going to camps for the further away schools, not on a visit. The drive time to some of the campuses is too much.”

Last question. If there is something you are out to prove this offseason or during the regular season, what is it?

“I am trying to prove that I have the capabilities to be a top-tier QB in Oklahoma and in the country. I am out to prove that I am a top dual-threat. I am working on being able to express my talent as a dual-threat. I am making a name for myself in a field of numbers.”

I like that response. Daniel, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time today and wish you success on your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Jackson family; Daniel Jackson on recruiting visits