Interview: Bishop O’Dowd 2017 DE Jordan Jackson Turning even more Attention His Way

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When the 2015 season had come to an end, Bishop O’Dowd’s weak-side defensive end Jordan Jackson had started to draw attention from a few next level programs. With the one-day college camp season in full-swing, Jackson is pulling more coaches his way after displaying his athleticism and growing skill level in person for all the various coaching staffs.

Jackson had a solid junior season for his Oakland (CA) area squad. The then- 6’3”, 232 pound, talent ended up with desired stat numbers from and end with 6.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for a loss on a young squad. That team is a year older, and a year stronger, and is now ready to make some noise in 2016.

One of the leaders on the team is Jackson. He picked up his first offer from Hawaii during the offseason but now has teams like Washington, Washington State, Princeton, Yale, Colorado, Cal, and Vanderbilt, among others, are interested in him. Other teams to offer thus far includes Air Force, Idaho, and Army.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Jackson in between camp visits to get an update on his offseason thus far.

Interview

Jordan, what camps have you attended?

“I’ve been to the UW (Washington) camp, Washington State, USC and Utah State, Vanderbilt, Princeton, Yale, Colorado, the Golden Gate Showcase, and also Cal.”

How well have you performed at each camp and what were some of the things you did well at each camp?

“I’ve performed very well at all of the camps that I’ve been to, just trying to focus on excelling in one-on-ones and staying sharp during position drills.”

Do you have any new recruiting interest this offseason?

“I’ve picked up interest from most, if not all the camps I’ve been to so far.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits? Any upcoming?

“Yes, I’ve taken visits to West Point and Vanderbilt. I’m also going to visit Columbia tomorrow (Tuesday).”

What is your height and weight right now?

“I measured at 6’3”, 238 pounds.”

How are your offseason workouts going? What are you working on specifically?

“My workouts have been going very well. I’m trying to work on my pass rushing specifically. I’m just trying to pick up new moves and learn from different people. It’s worked out very well so far.”

Have you maxed out on any of the primary football lifts?

“Not recently. A month or so ago, I maxed out on my bench press at 260.”

Have you ran a 40-yard dash at any of the camps?

“Yes, and my times have varied but I’m around a 4.87.”

Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the Columbia camp.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Jackson family; Jordan Jackson (center) at a Vanderbilt camp with defensive line coach C.J. Ah You (right) and outside linebackers coach Osia Lewis (left).

Photo credit: Jackson family; Jordan Jackson walks off the field after a Vanderbilt camp.