Interview: Florida Talent Fred Jackson is the Ultimate 2018 Scat-Back Flying Under the Radar

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

If Evander Holyfield met Fred Jackson, he would call him “The Real Deal.” If “The Flash” was capable of jumping off the comic book pages, a game of tag between the superhero and Lake Minneola’s running back would be entertainment for hours eventually ending in a stalemate without one being able to touch the other. On a hot sunny Florida day without a cloud in the sky, if wanted, Fred Jackson could run a mile without worry of a sunburn capable of dodging the sun’s rays. All the “ifs” may not be completely true about Fred Jackson, but looking at his ability to shift, cut on a dime, make people miss, and gain separation with his acceleration on the gridiron make the tall-tale possibilities seem a reality; it has to feel true for his 7A competition as well.

Exact stats have not been posted on Lake Minneola High School’s 2016 season, but an estimated stat line has Jackson surpassing the 1,100-yard mark with 13 touchdowns scored. Watching Jackson’s game film, one wonders how every carry did not end in a broken defender’s ankle, the chain gang out of breath on the sidelines trying to keep up to mark the new line of scrimmage, and/or a score posted on the board.

The word has not fully gotten out on Jackson yet, but his time is coming. The Hawks suffered through a tough 1-9 campaign in 2016 perhaps leading most college scouts to believe there was no one worth recruiting on the roster; far from accurate. Maybe some coaches are not sure what to do with the 5-9, 175 pound, athlete? Put 15 pounds on him and let him be a scat-back at the next level or move him into the slot, a position he is also capable of playing.

Regardless of the delay other college programs are suffering through, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Notre Dame (Ohio), and Western Kentucky see the recruiting gem as an impact running back at the next level. Teams showing interest includes Miami, Boston College, Georgia Southern, Bowling Green, Middle Tennessee, Appalachian State, Southern Florida, and Central Florida.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top under the radar prospects in the 2018 class talking about Jackson’s skills on the field, summer workouts, and growing recruiting interest.

Interview

Fred, your highlight reel is one of the more impressive ones I have seen. How long have you been playing running back?

“Since I was six-years-old.”

Is there a player at either of the next levels you watch to see how they play the game?

“Yes, sir. There are a couple I like to watch; Le’Veon Bell (Pittsburgh Steelers), Tavon Austin (LA Rams), and De’Anthony Thomas (Kansas City Chiefs).”

What is your workout routine?

“I lift a lot. I do a lot of workouts with my coach. I do a lot of agility, receiver, and quickness drills.”

What do you consider your strengths on the field?

“My strengths on the field are making people miss and using my speed and quickness to gain yards.”

What have you worked hard to improve upon this off-season?

“I’ve been running hills, doing cut drills, ladders, and cone drills to get faster and to get in top notch shape for the season.”

 

Did you attend any college camps this summer?

“I attended camps at Florida and USF (South Florida).”

Which camp was your best camp?

“I feel like USF was my best.”

What did you do well at the USF camp?

“I did great going through the drills, during one-on-ones, and I caught every pass thrown to me. I beat all the linebackers I went up against. Honestly, they could not guard me out there.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Georgia Southern, Middle Tennessee, Bowling Green, Central Florida, Boston College, Campbell, USF, Miami, and Appalachian State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“No. I was supposed to go to Western Kentucky but could not make it up there.”

Let’s look ahead to your senior season. Where all will you play on the field in 2017?

“Running back, slot, outside linebacker, corner, and free safety.”

Wow. That’s a lot. Of all the positions, which one is your favorite?

“Running back.”

What role will you have within the offense this year?

“We run a Wing-T. We run to open up the pass. They’ll hand me the ball and when they bite down we’ll pass.”

What goals have you set for yourself?

“My one goal is to be the best leader I can for my teammates. Everything else will fall in place.”

What games are you looking forward to playing this year?

“South Lake (Groveland) and East Ridge (Clermont), they are our two biggest rivals.”

What is the motivation behind your game?

“My mom and my sister. I see them work hard every day. They get up early in the morning to go to work. They keep a roof over my head. I keep working so they won’t have to do that anymore.”

Fred, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp and the season.

“Thank you.”

Click link for Fred Jackson Hudl reel

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: Daily Commerical; No. 7 Fred Jackson gets around the end (2016)

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 7 Fred Jackson shakes and bakes a defender (2016)

Photo credit: Michelle Brown Photography; No. 7 Fred Jackson scores a touchdown (2016)