Arkansas Interview: Addition of Koilan Jackson makes Robinson Very Dangerous Team in 2016

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When the 2016 Arkansas high school football season kicks off, if Vegas had an opening line on who would win the title, odds are Fayetteville High School would be the favorites to repeat at the 7A classification. At the 4A level, a new power could rise with enough talent to challenge just about anyone in the state of Arkansas – Robinson High School. Interesting to see what the winner take all odds would be on the Senators.

Robinson was stacked in 2015 with young talent finishing the season 9-3, 5-2 4A Region 4. The Senators will miss do-everything athlete T.J. Hammonds (Arkansas Razorbacks) but have another talent in the same mold with Myles Fells. The offensive line returns rising 2017 talent Sanderson Hines and on defense, another rising star in the 2017 class, defensive end David Porter, 84 tackles. If all players return from last year’s squad, not transferring, head coach Todd Eskola will also have stat monsters in safety Nathan Page, with 81 tackles, and Class of 2018 linebacker Hunter Swoboda, who had 119 tackles during his sophomore season, and Class of 2017 safety/outside linebacker Luke Bennett, who had 61 stops a year ago.

The deep roster, without question, got a lot deeper during the offseason when quarterback/wide receiver Koilan Jackson transferred from Parkview to Robinson.

Jackson is another member of a really impressive “athlete” group coming out of Arkansas in the 2017 class. During his junior season, Jackson came up with over 3,000 all-purpose yards passing for over 2,100 yards and rushing for another 824 scoring 38 total touchdowns, 16 rushing and 22 passing. With his transfer to Robinson, the 6’3”, 203 pound, talent will move to wide receiver, a position he is being recruited to play at the next level, and play some defense more than likely lining up at safety. For fans of Jackson’s talent under center, don’t worry, Jackson is in line to get a few snaps there every now and again to shake things up on offense.

With a talent like Jackson, and the strong family bloodlines, son of College Football Hall of Famer and six-time Pro Bowl tight end Keith Jackson (Oklahoma Sooners/Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, and Green Bay Packers), and brother to Keith Jackson Jr. (Arkansas Razorbacks/St. Louis Rams), and Kenyon Jackson (2016 signee with Illinois), the offers are just around the corner. Teams like Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Illinois, Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, and LSU are all showing interest but for some reason taking their time dropping that first offer. Once the first offer hits, like dominoes the rest will fall in line quickly.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Jackson to go over his transfer from Parkview to Robinson, his offseason workouts, and his upcoming camp schedule.

Interview

Koilan, what brought on the change of schools from Parkview to Robinson?

“Basically when the season ended, my team at Parkview, which was all seniors, all graduated. Parkview might not even have a team this year. If we did, I would still being playing a position I did not want to play and not being recruited to play in college. They have good coaches over there, everything was good over there. I just thought it would be best to transfer to Robinson.”

Most schools are recruiting you as an athlete, where all might we see you line up for Robinson in 2016?

“I’ll be playing wide receiver primarily, but I’ll be playing on both sides of the ball. I’m going to play safety and I might play some quarterback.”

When you get the chance to showcase your skills every game at wide receiver this season, what will college coaches and your new fan base see are your strengths at the position?

“Playing quarterback has helped me at wide receiver. I know what quarterbacks are looking for out of their wide receivers. Also growing up with a father that played tight end in the NFL has helped me as a receiver. He is teaching me how to run routes and create space to catch the ball. He’s making it easier for me to make the transition. I think fans will see that I am a deep threat too.”

At Parkview you had a knack for breaking off some long runs at quarterback. Will Robinson use you in a Wildcat set at quarterback?

“I’m not sure yet. We’ll have to wait to see if I am put there. I’m still not sure.”

Will you get any time on special teams as a kick or punt returner?

“Nathan (Page) will be the punt returner. I’ll return some kicks next year.”

What are you working on in the offseason to prepare for all the positions you will be playing during your senior year?

“I’m working mostly on my leg strength, balance, and getting on my toes more when I run. I’m working on my route running and expanding my IQ of the game.”

Do you have any offseason goals you are aiming to achieve?

“Yes sir. I’m trying to get a little bit bigger but not gain too much weight. I also want to lower my 40-yard dash time from a 4.52 (Memphis camp) to a low 4.4.”

What camps do you plan on attending this offseason?

“I’m going to an Arkansas, Memphis, Illinois, a LA Tech (Louisiana Tech) camp, and some other camps. Not sure all of them yet but we have those others planned out.”

What camps did you attend in 2015?

“I went to an Arkansas and Memphis camp and I went to a Michigan camp in Texas.”

Are you going to any exposure camps coming up?

“Yes sir. I’m going to the Nike and Rivals regional camps in Dallas.”

Did you take any unofficial visits during the 2015 season?

“I went to Arkansas and Illinois.”

Your family obviously has a lot of strong ties to the college game, but until you experience a lot of it for yourself they are more ideas about how things work, look, and feel. When you started taking visits checking things out for yourself, what were some of the things that caught your attention?

“The first thing was the fan base and the loyalty of the fans. At the Illinois game we went to, it was really cold but the fans were still there. When I tour the different places, the weight room and the big things the schools are trying to do catch my interest.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“Arkansas, Arkansas State, LA Tech, Alabama, Memphis, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and some others I can’t remember off the top of my head right now.”

You have some camps lined up but do you also have any unofficial visits lined up? Places where you may visit but not participate in their camps?

“Most likely. I’ll see what our coach has planned. I know I’m going to Alabama and Florida on unofficial visits. I’m going to Arkansas for their spring game and to LA Tech.”

Are you playing any spring sports for Robinson?

“Yes sir. I’m running track.”

Which events?

“The triple and long jump.”

Safe to guess your first jump on the triple jump would be my long jump right now.

(Laughs)

How is everything going in the classroom?

“Everything is going well in the classroom. I have a 2.6 GPA, looking to raise it, and I got a 20 on my ACT.”

That’s great. You’re qualified.

“Yes sir.”

Have you started thinking about what you want to major in while in college?

“I have a specific area, but not sure what I will do in that area. The area is business.”

Has Robinson started up spring ball?

“Yes sir.”

Will you guys have a spring game?

“Yes sir. We have a spring game but I am not sure of the date.”

Since this is your first time to practice with your new team, how does the team look?

“The team looks really good. We have a lot of D-I talent. I think we have five or six guys that will get D-I offers.”

Running back Myles Fells is really talented. With you coming on board do you think you and Myles will be the best one-two punch or inside-outside combo in the state of Arkansas in 2016?

“I think so – highly possible.”

Koilan, good luck with your track season and with all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Jackson family; Koilan at an Arkansas camp.

Photo credit: wholehogsports.com; Koilan finds some running room with Parkview (2014).

Photo credit: Jackson family; Koilan visits Illinois.