Interview: Explosive 5-Star 2021 Texas OLB/DE Landon Jackson Covers Recruiting and Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The Texas high school football field can be a scary place, especially for those having to go up against Class of 2021 outside linebacker/defensive end Landon Jackson. Jackson has proven to be that talent with too much speed, power, and desire to be shutdown. After a breakout freshman season in 2017, the Pleasant Grove High School standout has earned five-star recruiting status with teams all over the country hoping to get his signature on National Signing Day.

If it wasn’t so much fun to watch him in action, one might actually feel sorry for the abused offensive tackles and the hunted quarterbacks who lay in waste after meeting Jackson. The 6-6, 240-pound, backer is explosive off the snap with a wingspan that seemingly stretches hashmark to hashmark. That raw talent exploded onto the scene in 2017 producing a stat line of 98 stops with 16 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, six pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. A knee injury slowed Jackson’ roll a year ago, but he still put an end to 56 plays with 15 tackles for a loss, and nine sacks securing the thought that he is among the elite in the 2021 class.

Jackson is back at the grind in 2019 coming up with 30 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and eight sacks in three games played this season. His athleticism is not in question, but he has shown it off in other ways playing some tight end and receiver for the Hawks this season.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I got a few minutes with the Texarkana native covering his play on the field and his recruiting process off it.

Interview

Landon, the Hawks are off to a 4-0 start with the defense dominating allowing just 40 total points. What is working so we for that side of the ball allowing you guys to impose your will the way you do?

“It really is the we all play together. We have multiple guys who are good. Our linebackers are good, our front seven has good size, and our corners and safeties have speed. We have a lot of athletic ability. We play very hard and every player pursues the football. We have a nose guard who will run 30 yards down field going after the ball. Our defensive end will pursue the ball 20 yards downfield catching up with a running back who runs a 4.4. We hit hard and play like a dominating defense.”

What are you bringing to the table this season on the field? How are you impacting games?

“This year, they converted me to outside linebacker. I am still putting pressure on the quarterback while maintaining outside run leverage.”

Over last season, where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game as a defender?

“My speed is my biggest improvement. I feel like I have gotten a lot faster. My strength, and knowledge of the game has improved.”

Your get off and motor is impressive and you bring the heat at the point of contact. What are some of the other strengths of your game, even the ones that might get overlooked?

“My hands, how good I am with my hands. I am good at getting off blocks. Another thing is how much I study the game. I am good at reading my keys.”

Watching game tape on you, I see you break apart family bonds between offensive tackles and quarterbacks. What is the funniest thing you’ve heard in a back-and-forth between a quarterback and a tackle over their frustration because of you?

(Laughs) “Yeah. I have heard something like “are you going to get your hands on him”? They get mad at their tackles. A lot of the times, the way the coaches blitz me, I get more one-on-ones with tackles, especially on the outside. I use my speed to get into the backfield.”

There are still a lot of games left to play, what all do you want to accomplish this season on the field?

“I want to win another state championship. Our team is dominating this year overall. All the seniors and juniors on this team have expected a championship since we were in the 8th and 9th grade.”

The Hawks go on the road for a second consecutive week heading to Chapel Hill (2-2). What kind of game are you expecting on Friday in Tyler?

“They run a Spread and they throw a lot. They are probably about 75 percent pass and 25 percent run. We will not play with as many defensive linemen against them. We’ll be getting to the QB as much as possible.”

You guys made a championship run a year ago, what does the team have to do this season to get back to the title game?

“We have to keep everyone healthy. We have to keep the same motor and drive, and not get ahead of ourselves thinking we have the state championship game made. The best games and teams we will play will be in the second, third, and fourth round of the playoffs. Our toughest competition comes earlier in the playoffs.”

Turning to recruiting. How many offers do you have?

“I have 25 offers.”

Jackson’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Baylor, Florida State, Houston, Kanas, LSU Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Southern Miss, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas State, Texas Tech, Tulsa, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, and Washington

Which schools are showing interest but have not dropped an offer yet?

“Georgia, Stanford, Clemson, and Florida.”

Did you visit any programs over the offseason?

“Yes, quite a few. I went to (Texas) A&M twice, one to UT (Texas), and one to Arkansas.”

Going in order. How have the A&M trips gone?

“They have been pretty good. I have spent time with a few of the coaches. They have talked about how I would fit into their defense. Our middle linebacker from last season is a walk-on there. I spent time with him and a few of his teammates later that night on my last visit.”

And the Texas visit, how did that go?

“That went well. I was there for the LSU game. It was a great atmosphere. I talked with coaches before the game and spent time with other recruits during the visit.”

Lastly, tell me about the Arkansas visit.

“That went really well. I have a friend from another high school who went up there with me. We spent time up there and got to know a few of their commits. I talked to (HC) Coach (Chad) Morris quite a bit.”

Are there any visits planned for this fall?

“Yes. I am going back to A&M for the Alabama game (Oct. 12).”

That’ll be a fun one. Landon, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the team success throughout the season.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Jackson family; Landon Jackson at Texas and Arkansas