Interview: 3-Star 2021 Alabama Talent Ian Jackson is a Legit Outside Backer
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
And a star has risen. The end of the 2019 high school football season for Prattville confirmed the ascension of Ian Jackson as a next level outside linebacker. The 6-3, 215-pound, defender was ever-present on the field for the Lions against 7A Alabama competition, and it was just his first season taking on that role.
The mix of it all is there for Mr. Jackson – the heart, determination, physical giftings, proven production, and the belief from next level coaches that he can be a difference maker against Power 5 squads. After a move from safety to outside backer, Jackson fit in like a natural with 93 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and a pick-six. The high-volume activity led to a 9-3 run for the Lions and has brought forward 12 scholarship offers for the three-star recruit.
With unlimited potential and an active life on the recruiting trail, Jackson and I sat down for an in-depth one-on-one interview.
Interview
Ian, the Lions, all pun intended, had a lot of pride this season evident running up a 9-3 record. What were some of the strengths of the team?
“We were very strong as a defensive unit, which helped us win games. Even in the games we lost, the defense stood strong. We had a good offense with a lot of good weapons at receiver, running back, and we had a great quarterback.”
For the season overall, how did it go for you?
“It went well. It went better than expected playing a new position. I played safety last year. I talked to the coaches in the offseason, they thought it would be best for me to play outside linebacker. I stated to get the hang of it in spring and then the summer went well picking it up. In the season, it started rolling and I adapted to it quickly.”
You did a little bit of everything as an outside backer for the Lions. You shine as an edge rusher and you come in off delayed blitzes, but you also drop back into coverage. Tell me what all you do within the defenses the team runs.
“I never put my hand in the dirt, but I walked up close to show them I am coming. I wanted them to know that you have to stop me. If I was not going on a blitz, I would drop back into coverage and go one-on-one against the slot. I showed I can cover. I showed that I am athletic enough to cover your receiver.”
Looks like you guys were running multiple sets. What all did you guys line up in as a base?
“We ran a 3-4 and a 4-3; we had multiple packages. I was always on the field. I put my hand in the dirt in the playoff game to put more bodies on the line to help against the run, that worked well.”
In which ways did you see improvement in your game throughout the 2019 schedule?
“Throughout the year I got better as a pass rusher and a run fitter. I have always been good at covering with playing safety in my background. Getting more physical was a challenge for me, but I took that head on. That brought the best out of me at my position.”
Alabama 7A football is no joke. You guys played a lot of talented teams this year. Of all the games, which was your best performance?
“The first game of the season against Foley was my best, that and the sixth game against Lee. In the first game, I won Player of the Game voted on by the coaches and those in the community. They thought I played really well.”
That is awesome. Given your skills on the field, how would you describe your leadership style?
“I am a vocal leader and a person that leads by example. Being a junior, and with most of the defense being seniors, they looked up to me as a leader who was making a lot of plays. They were vibing off what I was doing.”
Your play on the field is drawing a lot of college scouting interest. That you know of, which schools are tracking you?
“There are some major SEC schools like Auburn, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and Kentucky showing interest. Virginia has started showing interest as well as Virginia Tech, South Alabama, and Northwestern.”
Wow. Off to a great start. How many offers are on the table?
“I have 12 offers. My most recent offer was from Ole Miss last week.”
Jackson’s Offer Sheet: Akron, Central Michigan, Coastal Carolina, Indiana, Iowa, Louisville, Memphis, Ole Miss, Toledo, Troy, Tulane, and West Virginia
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Have you taken any visits this fall?
“So far, I have taken three, Louisville, Memphis, and Ole Miss.”
Tell me about the Louisville trip.
“It was nice. I like the atmosphere there and the coaches were great. When the coaches want you to come to their school to play football, that is expected. They told me what they wanted me to play if I were to play in their defense. It was a really nice visit.”
Which position do they want you to play?
“They said outside linebacker, like what I am playing now. If needed, they said I could play safety, like a hybrid position.”
And Memphis, how did that visit go?
“It went well. I had a good time. I went for the SMU game, that was a crazy game. They won and that showed they are on the map. It showed they can beat high ranked AP teams.”
The Ole Miss visit, tell me about that one.
“It was really good. That was a different vibe for me being in the Groove and the Vault. I talked to the coaches a little bit, they seemed cool. I liked it up there; I like it everywhere, but I did like it there a lot.”
Are there any planned trips coming up?
“Yes. Next week I am possibly going to the Iron Bowl for the Alabama verses Auburn game.”
That will be a great one. Are you playing any other varsity sports for Prattville?
“Last year I played baseball, and I will this season. I pitch and play outfield.”
With your football offseason here, what will be the focus of your workouts?
“Mainly hitting the weights hard building muscle to get ready for the season and to get my body ready for college. I do not want to be behind when college comes, I want to be on pace. I will continue to work out hard through my senior year to be what my coaches need me to be and to be what the college coaches need me to be as soon as I get there.”
A lot of hard work is about to be put into your game with you sacrificing hours of free time to take your game to another level. What motivates or drives your passion to play football?
“I am doing it for me and my family. I am wanting to make it to the next level, and I love to play the game. That has been in me since I was younger. I did not play a lot of recreational league football when I was younger, but I watched and learned. I always wanted to compete against the best in the country.”
Ian, I had a great time covering all this ground with you today. Good luck with your offseason workouts and the trip to the Iron Bowl this weekend.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Jackson family; Ian Jackson at Ole Miss and Memphis