Interview: 3-Star 2021 DB Krew Jackson is a Defender of the Peace for Queen Creek
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In Arizona’s rich history of bandits, heroes, and outlaws, a noble defender of the peace still roams the gridiron lands handing out his form of harsh justice. At Queen Creek High School, Krew Jackson is that sheriff at safety against 6A foes used as a last resort against teams attacking with the run or the pass. The 6-5, 200-pound, defender is not one to mess with and wastes no time cutting down a trespasser stepping into the Bulldogs’ territory. Using speed, force, and an uncanny knack for diagnosing plays, Jackson racked up 72 stops a year ago with two picks and a forced fumble earning three-star recruiting status. College programs love the skills Jackson brings to the field with 16 offers dropped thus far.
In an RNG first-look, Jackson breaks down his growing skillset with an update on his recruiting possibilities.
Interview
Krew, I want to start the interview off telling you I took a very unofficial poll, extremely unofficial, but the results are running backs do not like you. They said you hit too hard. What do you have to say about that?
(Laughs) “Yeah. That’s the sport. If they think I hit too hard they have to play something else.”
In all seriousness, you are a heavy hitter, but not for the head-shot kill. You are cutting guys down on the spot at the knees like you are supposed to do. What is your mindset on the field come game time to dole out that kind of punishment?
“When I get on the field it is about going out there doing the best I can for my team. Not trying to kill someone, but making the sure tackles and do the best we can with our defense.”
The Bulldogs mixed it up in 2019 with some of the best teams in Arizona. Of all the games played, which one did you turn in your best performance?
“It was not a great game for the team, but against Chandler, that was my best personal game.”
What did you do well in that game to make it your top performance?
“It was a high game in tackles and against a big team. We had a rough game overall, but I was able to play to the best of my abilities.”
What were some of the coverages you guys were executing last season?
“We played mostly quarters, Cover 2, and occasionally in Cover 3, but mostly zone.”
In the scheme, what were your responsibilities?
“Most of the time I was switching from free and strong safety in Cover 2. I had the deep quarter or deep middle in Cover 3. As a strong safety, I had the flat area, or deep quarters or deep thirds. They also had me playing up close with the linebackers as a strong safety.”
How did your game improve in 2019?
“Over the season, I gained more confidence in my play. I was coming up making the tackles the best that I could. I improved on my ball skills and at picking the ball off; I got two. I got better at that.”
When the lights turn on for the 2020 schedule, what all will you be doing on the field?
“Right now, think I will still play strong and free safety, maybe more at strong safety. I did not play much on offense last season, but if they need me, I will do whatever is best for the team.”
What all are you working on this offseason as a defender?
“Keeping good footwork, my speed, getting stronger, and staying in the weight room getting bigger.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?
“Duke, I have been in contact a lot with them. They have been messaging me. I have spoken with Notre Dame a few times and I recently spoke with an Air Force coach.”
Where is the offer total?
“Fourteen.”
Which programs were the last two to offer?
“Michigan State and Kansas State.”
*Air Force and Vanderbilt offered after the interview
Jackson’s Offer Sheet (16): Air Force, Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, BYU, Iowa State, Kansas State, Michigan State, Northern Arizona, Pittsburgh, San Diego State, UNLV, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Washington State, and Yale
Nice. Over the last few months, did you get to take any visits?
“Earlier in the year, I was able to visit Arizona State and I went to a few games at Arizona.”
How did the ASU visit go?
“It was great. Their facilities are amazing. Their coaches and their staff – I really like it up there. I like the atmosphere the coaches bringing. They are building their program.”
And the Arizona visits. How have they gone?
“They have been great as well. Same thing as ASU. They are doing a great thing for the program. They are trying to build something great, both programs are.”
Once things get going again, do you have any planned trips set?
“I had some planned before everything broke out. Over spring break, I was scheduled to go to Iowa State and Virginia. I’d love to see Michigan State and Kansas State. I plan to take some unofficial visit out east when I have time this summer. With the Arizona schools, I can always go over there to visit.”
In addition to football, are you competing in any other varsity sports?
“I was running track before it stopped. I had two meets before the season was done.”
Which events were you competing in this year?
“The 300 hurdles, 110 hurdles, and high jump.”
Wow. Not the easiest of events. My last question. My virus buster question. What have you been doing for fun during the downtime over the last few weeks?
“Playing video games with my brothers and messing around with my family. We’ve been playing all the games we can, board and card games, and we’ve been watching movies.”
Krew, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts until we speak again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Jackson family; Krew Jackson with teammate Isaiah Glass at ASU (Dec. 2019)