Interview: Texas Offenses Need to Start Preparing for DeSoto 2018 LB Tyler Jackson Now

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When talking about Texas high school football, DeSoto High School is one of a few teams that immediately pops up not only as an in-state but also as a national power house team. The talent coming in and out of the Eagles program is as good as any routinely preparing young men for the next level collegiate challenge. The Eagles caught fire in 2016 racing to a 16-0 record capturing a 6A state title with a win over Steele showcasing all of that talent. One underclassman ready to go back-to-back against all the odds is Class of 2018 linebacker Tyler Jackson.

Jackson is that prototypical linebacker college coaches love. Listed at 6-1, 220, the Eagles rising star is a sideline to sideline guy showing great instincts for the game seemingly always around the ball. He balled out during his sophomore year with Fort Bend tallying over 100 tackles with five sacks and three forced fumbles showing what he can do on raw talent and athleticism alone. About the only thing that could slow down Jackson during his junior season was UIL transfer rules. The Eagles’ new linebacker was limited to seven games but still showed out coming up with 68 tackles, three quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble. Another sign of his effectiveness on the field, he posted the great stat line in seven games coming off the bench.

A few college programs have a keen eye on Jackson ready to see him in person at a camp or during the first couple of games into his senior season. Among the many includes Boise State, Indiana, North Texas, TCU, and Duke.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top under the radar prospects in the Lone Star State covering his high school career thus far along with his off-season plans.

Interview

Tyler, where did you play ball during your sophomore season?

“At Fort Bend.”

How did the 2015 campaign go for you?

“I started at inside linebacker my sophomore year. I had 103 solo tackles, five sacks, and three forced fumbles. We made it to the first round of the playoffs that year.”

Did you earn any individual honors in 2015?

“Yes, sir. I was second team All-District and the Linebacker of the Year for our team.”

At DeSoto, during your junior season you were coming off the bench. Was that difficult for you after a 100-plus tackle sophomore season?

“At first it was kind of hard but I realized there is a lot more talent at DeSoto. I had to learn their system too. Once I caught onto it everything started to flow. I did not realize I was not starting. I was playing more and more.”

Working in the Eagles’ system, how did that change help your game get better?

“I was faster. I became more of a sideline to sideline player. I hit harder, wrapped up and drove through tackles. Overall I was a lot better.”

What was the championship run like for you?

“The championship run was a good one. Everyone was together. We had a great team bond. I have never seen a group that worked harder. It was a good run. All the scholarships the upperclassmen earned – I can see why because of all the work put in on and off the field.”

The Eagles played against tough competition all season but the playoffs are a little different to say the least. How did the step up in competition under a brighter spotlight elevate your game?

“It showed me my mistakes. The small mistakes I was making did not make a difference during the season. In the playoffs it showed. I had the mentality that no one was getting past me in the playoffs.”

As a linebacker, what special skills do you have that you bring to the field for every game?

“I have a leadership quality. At inside linebacker I am a run stopper. I must know every position on the field. I know what my defensive linemen are doing and what the safeties are doing right or wrong. I have become a leader and director on the field.”

What are you working on this off-season?

“I’m mostly working on speed, strength, and getting off blocks. In practice I’m going up against All-Americans on our offensive line. If I can get off them, I can get off any block.”

Where all might you play on the field during your senior season?

“I will mostly be at inside linebacker next year. Because I am athletic, I can move around. Sometimes I might be at outside linebacker and sometimes at defensive end. I played some end last year.”

What goals have you set for yourself during the off-season and/or during your senior season?

“This off-season I am working hard. I want to get as many offers as possible. For the season, my goals are to become the best linebacker in the district, state, and to become an All-American. My goal is to become a great linebacker.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room yet?

“We have not maxed out yet. We will max out in a couple of weeks.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Columbia, Colorado, UConn, Tulsa, Tulane, Colorado State, Texas State, and Montana State.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“North Texas, Duke, and TCU and Texas A&M.”

What have you learned about the college game or college life from your visits?

“I have learned that college life is a lot different than high school, and not just as a football player. College is a place where you can become a man on and off the field. College is important for me. Getting a degree is important for life after football.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“I’m going to a Texas State Junior Day and Tulane.”

You competed at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional over the weekend. How did that go for you?

“I did really well. I won all of my reps in cat and mouse and had three picks overall. Personally, I think I did really well. I got to connect with other guys like Bumper Pool (Arkansas commit). We were competing back-and-forth. He has a lot of talent. That was a great competition for me.”

What other camps might you attend this off-season?

“I am waiting for an invite to the Under Armour camp. I have been invited to Three Stripe Rivals camp. With college camps, I will try to go to as many as possible. I have been invited to a lot. I have to sit down to plan it out.”

What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?

“They like my athleticism, my sideline to sideline play, my size, and they like the way I hit and wrap up. They also like my vision and the way I read plays. They also like how I get off linemen.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.68.”

Have you taken the SAT or ACT yet?

“I took the SAT two weeks ago. I have not received my score on that yet. I have not taken the ACT yet.”

Are you participating in any other sports for DeSoto?

“Track

Which events?

“The shotput, discus, and I am nationally ranked in javelin.”

What is your best in the javelin?

“My best is 156-157.”

What is your goal for this season?

“My goal is 180.”

Wow, that is a big jump.

“I’m working 24/7 for it.”

Last question. When you make your final decision on your dream school, what all will that school need to have for you to know that is the place for you in college?

“I’m looking for my major (civil engineering), a good coaching staff, good teammates, family atmosphere, and knowing that I have a chance to compete early. I want a staff that will push me and guide me through each step of my college life.”

Tyler, thanks for your time today and good luck with all your upcoming camps and visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Focus Daily News; No. 32 Tyler Jackson vs Cedar Hill.

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 32 Tyler Jackson.

Photo credit: Jackson family; Tyler Jackson (left-center) at Texas A&M (2016).