Missouri Football: Interview with Oak Park 2021 OL Jackson White
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Oak Park High School had an up and down season in 2019 as the Northmen finished 5-6 but reached the second round of the state playoffs led by a core group of juniors and seniors. One of the returning players who will help lead Oak Park in 2020 will be junior offensive lineman Jackson White.
White and the rest of his teammates on the offensive line were able to help the Northmen rush for over 2,000 yards in 2019. White (6-3, 290) uses his tremendous speed and strength to blow open holes and to keep defenders out of the Oak Park backfield. After the season, White earned multiple individual honors. Now, this Class of 2021 recruit is drawing interest from several in-state colleges and is looking to make a name for himself at several college camps this summer.
White not only leads by example on the football field but also on the track team, in the weight room and in the classroom where he has a 3.28 GPA.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Jackson to get an update on his recruiting process and talk about his career at Oak Park.
Interview
Jackson, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“We showed improvements throughout the season. Our left guard was injured and out for the season so we came together with some position changes on the offensive line and we were able to rush for 2,000-plus yards.”
How would you grade your individual performance from last year and why?
“I feel like I improved as a player in my aggressiveness on the field and pulling on the power plays.”
What are your strengths on the football?
“I add consistency in whatever position I play. I feel like I bring both power and quickness to my position. Our offensive line works as a team.”
What kind of challenges did you face last year?
“Our left guard was injured and was out for the season. Our coaches moved me from left tackle to left guard. I learned the new position while also helping our new left tackle with his. We worked really well together.”
How did you overcome those challenges?
“I put in extra work with our left tackle so that we would work well as a team.”
Did you earn any individual honors last year?
“I received 2019 first team All-Conference and first team All-District.”
What was your most memorable moment in your junior season?
“My most memorable moment for the 2019 season was making it to the second round of the playoffs. We played hard against Staley Falcon’s team.”
What do you like the most about playing on the offensive line?
“I like being able to pull on those power plays and opening holes for my running backs… plus it gives me a chance to knock a few players down.”
What are you working on the most this offseason?
“I am working on getting stronger and faster by working on my footwork.”
What are your maxes in the weight room?
“My max bench is 305, my max squat is 450, and my max clean is 250.”
Are there any schools currently showing you interest?
“I had received a Junior Day visit invite from Missouri State and I have been in contact with Central Missouri, Missouri Western, Missouri S&T, Northwest Missouri State and South Dakota State.”
Have you attended any college camps?
“I attended the Missouri State camp and the Six Star camp in 2019. I just competed at the Elite Football combine in St. Louis.”
What was your favorite camp and why?
“I really enjoyed the Missouri State camp. I feel like padded camps show my strengths as an offensive line player.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“I also participate in spring track and field. I throw the shot put and the discus.”
What is your GPA?
“My GPA is 3.28.”
What do you like most about playing at Oak Park High School?
“I enjoy playing for Oak Park because we are often thought about as the underdog in our conference. Each year we have improved on our overall record. Working and growing as a team is something that I will always remember.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“My dad has made the biggest impact on me. He loves the game of football, and I started playing in the first grade. He has coached me through the years and is always supportive.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
“I don’t really have a favorite quote but I always remember my mom telling me to always do my best in whatever I am doing.”
Jackson, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Oak Park OL Jackson White