Interview: Recruiting Trail Still Burning Up for 2017 Georgia OL Jalen Jackson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Being a really talented player on a playoff team never hurts. Being a 6-4.5, 280 pound, offensive lineman that dominates and buries the opposition on every snap does not hurt either. Grayson High School’s run to Georgia’s state title game has helped push Jalen Jackson’s recruiting forward down the backstretch as National Signing Day 2017 quickly approaches making him a can’t miss Division-I recruit.
The Rams ended the season with a 14-1 record proving to be not only one of the best teams in Georgia but also one of the better teams in the nation. The Rams only loss was a 26-7 opening season defeat against a stacked IMG Academy squad. After getting over a tough McEachern team in Week 2 (won 16-13), the Rams steamrolled through 7A competition topping Roswell 23-20 in overtime for the hardware.
Through the long season Jackson picked up 18 offers coming from schools like West Virginia, Arkansas State, South Florida, Troy, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, South Alabama, Florida Atlantic, Ohio, UAB, Tulane, and Boston College among others. Once teams start hosting recruits on official visits, there will be a rush for programs hoping to sway Jackson their way to help anchor their line at the next level.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Jackson covering his senior campaign while getting an update on his recruitment and upcoming official visits.
Interview
Grayson had a really tough schedule to start the season but everything obviously came together. How was the grind of a 15-game schedule for you this year?
“I started the season off with a bad ankle sprain from a camp I attended. I was not fully healthy in the IMG game. After the first couple of the weeks my ankle was better and I played better.”
How did the playoff run go for you against Mountain View (56-7), Woodstock (59-21), Colquitt County (49-21), Mill Creek (44-26), and Roswell (23-20)?
“The playoffs were fun. I felt like I was dominate throughout most of the playoffs. During the Colquitt game I was sick. I threw up 12 times that day. My adrenaline took over and I kept going.”
The Roswell game was a thriller going into overtime, what was that game like for you?
“It was my first championship game. I was kind of nervous when we first started. From the first play, we struggled a little from the start. I feel like after halftime we were confident. We started making plays. I played well in the second half. The first half was not my greatest.”
How does it feel to be a state champ and have the team rated No. 6 in the nation by MaxPreps?
“I feel appreciated. I did not know were No. 6 in the nation.”
Which defensive lineman or linebacker was the best or toughest you went up against this year?
“Ellison Hubbard (2017 DL – uncommitted), No. 58 for Grayson, and my boy Breon (Dixon – Ole Miss commit) were the toughest. I’ve been playing with Breon since we were in Little League. Teams that we went against, the entire IMG line, they were pretty good.”
How has playing against all of those guys made you better?
“It made me move my feet. I knew I had to my feet at all times.”
How did you game get better during your junior season?
“Overall, after about Week 3, I felt like I was a master at pass blocking. My run blocking, last year I was better coming off the ball. We were in a different type of offensive scheme this year.”
What will you work on during the off-season?
“My No. 1 thing is conditioning. I will lift do my strength lifting with my coaches. I’m working on my technique and maintaining that technique when I am tired. On the o-line you do not get that tired. You do not run that much. But when we run screens you have to be in shape getting 10-15 yards down the field. The skill players are more agile.”
Do you know your weight room maxes?
“I know my bench is 340 and my squat is 520.”
What off-season goals have you set for yourself?
“I want to lose about 5-to-10 pounds before going to college. I want to put on the good weight and get rid of the bad weight. I want to get the big boy weight on there. I plan on remaining at tackle, you can be lean at tackle.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered you yet?
“East Carolina and Hawaii.”
How many offers do you have right now?
“I have 18 offers.”
Did you take any unofficial visits during the season?
“I went to South Florida.”
Have you taken any official visits yet?
“No. I have four official visits planned in January. I am going to South Florida on Jan. 13, Georgia State on Jan. 18, Ohio on Jan. 21, and Arkansas State on Jan. 27.”
What are you excited to learn about the different programs on your official visit?
“I want to learn how they come together as a family. It is all about family coming onto a new team in a place you are not familiar with. The community too. People can say how good something is but you never know until you get there.”
What will influence your final decision on where you commit?
“That is a good question. I feel like I will know when I am there.”
What do you do outside of football and workout?
“I work at Kroger, play Madden when I get home, and hang out with my girlfriend.”
What is your prediction for the College Football Championship?
“If history continues, Alabama will win.”
Jalen, thanks for your time today and good luck on your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: GwinnettPrepSports.com; Rams taking the field.
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 72 Jalen Jackson pre-snap.
Photo credit: Grayson Rams Football; No. 72 Jalen Jackson.