Interview: Prolific 4-Star Kansas WR Daniel Jackson Updates Workouts and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
During the 2017 Kansas high school football season, there wasn’t a soul who could hold Class of 2020 receiver Daniel Jackson. The 5-11, 185-pound, talent looked like an All-American track athlete pulling in 54 passes for 1,270 yards with 16 scores averaging an absurd 24 yards per reception for Bishop Miege. The Stags were unstoppable with their four-star receiver breaking down defenses running their season to a 13-0 mark hoisting the championship trophy. The Stags (12-2) repeated in 2018 but without their All-State receiver. A knee injury (ACL) kept Jackson on the sidelines, but he is back in action preparing to show all what he can do this track season going full-speed.
There are 10 believers in Jackson’s talents extending offers for him to choose from as he nears his senior season with interest growing. Visits have been taken and visits are scheduled. For an update on his rehab, offseason workouts, and recruiting process, Jackson and I go deep in a one-on-one interview.
Interview
Daniel, not too many guys have a 99-yard touchdown on the resume. When the play was called during your sophomore season, what was going through your mind?
“The way we run our offense, it is all up-tempo. The team we were playing, Aquinas, had kicked a good punt and had us on our own goal line. We had practiced that play. If we were within the five-yard line, we would throw the ball on the first play. I knew I could beat the corner off the press. Our QB that year, Carter Putz was a great QB. He actually broke a Kansas high school passing record with that throw. I knew if I caught it, I could get the touchdown. It was fun to go 99-yards.”
How did the play unfold for you, and please include the footrace down the sideline?
“I didn’t want to look back. I tried to edge to the middle of the field so I could not get knocked out of bounds. Once I caught it, I used my track form to make sure their corner did not dive at me and catch me from behind.”
I know receivers like to chest bump in the air after a touchdown. So many of your touchdowns are breakaway scores with everyone on your team way downfield. How long do you wait in the end zone for everyone to show up for the celebration before you start trotting back to your sideline?
(Laughs) “Depends. There are a few of my offensive linemen who want to get in on the celebration with met. On my 99-yard touchdown, you can tell I was waiting for a while. One of my other receivers always try to catch me and I with him to celebrate. With our offensive linemen, sometimes it takes a little longer.”
You obviously have elite speed, how fast are you?
“My 40 is a 4.5. I ran that at the Nike Opening last year. I don’t have a time in the 100 yet. My main sport in track was the jumps and 4×1. I will run the 100 and 200 this year. I feel like I can beat anyone in a race.”
I believe you. What are you working on with your technique this offseason?
“Going on these visits, I have learned something from all these coaches. Teams in high school do not press that much, at least not in my league. In college I will face that. I am working on getting off the line against a press technique. I have a Jug machine at home. I catch about 500 balls a week. My route running and being more explosive are things I will work on throughout the offseason.”
You mentioned recruiting, how many offers do you have?
“I have 10 offers.”
Daniel Jackson’s Offer Sheet (10): Iowa State, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Iowa, Arizona State, Missouri, Minnesota, Kansas State, and Texas A&M
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Ohio State is showing a lot of interest, they have been up to schools a few times. Northwestern is showing a lot of interest as well.”
You mentioned taking visits, since the 2018 season began which schools have you visited?
“I have visited Kansas State, Kansas, Arizona State, and Wisconsin.”
Nice. How did the KU visit go?
“Honestly, I had a great time up there. They showed me great hospitality. They had a lot to say about me staying home and what they have to offer. Coach (Emmett) Jones, their receivers coach, he really showed me he knows what he is talking about and how he can help his guys get to the next level. Coach Les Miles (head coach), he showed a high amount of interest in me and explained to me why he wanted me to be a Jayhawk.”
And KState, how did that go?
“I had a great time there. I went there before I visited KU. They had the same type of focus, keeping the in-state players in-state. They had a lot to say about that. The staff is a winning staff. They have a lot of promise with their rebuilding model. Coach (Chris) Klieman had a winning record at North Dakota State and won four championships in five years.”
What about ASU, how did that go?
“I was there for a Saturday through Monday visit; I had an amazing time. I was blown away. Coach (Charlie) Fisher (receivers) was with me almost the entire time. We did a photo shoot, showed me the campus, and then talked to me about what they have to offer. I met with a lot of the coaches. The coaches went over how they can use me on the team. On Sunday, we had breakfast together at a popular spot there on campus. On Monday, I toured the dorms and more of the campus. The campus is beautiful. I like how they treat their players and it looks like the players are in a great living situation. The weather is always nice there.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take?
“I am planning on visiting Iowa State and Minnesota.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?
“They like my speed and how I can be useful in many ways. Some college coaches see me as an outside receiver and some see me as an inside receiver. I’m not the tallest receiver but I can jump with the tall ones, they like that. They like my explosiveness and how I can get away from a defender.”
Do you have a special talent or skill most people would be surprised to find out about?
“When I go to a park, I am good at hardcore stuff like doing flips. My dad is good at that, he taught me how to do them.”
Away from a sports related activity, what do you do for fun?
“I like playing video games and listening to music.”
Any last words or comments?
“I cannot stress enough that I cannot wait to play this season and be with my team. Injuries are unexpected and difficult… I cannot wait to be 100 percent and with my team this season.”
Daniel, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck on your upcoming track season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Jackson family; Daniel Jackson at KU and ASU