One to Watch Interview with 2018 California WR Christian Jackson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The state of California is chalked full of tough high school football conferences. One of the toughest in southern California is the Mission League. What is true for the regular season is also true for the off-season or second season with 7-on-7 action. Senior seasons are a time to shine and one under the radar Golden State product fine-tuning his craft for the most important season of his high school career is Christian Jackson.
Jackson has been a two-year member of the varsity squad for Serra High School but with all of the talent on the Gardena squad has played sparingly on Friday nights. The 2016 season was another year spent at the junior varsity level for Jackson working on his game as a slot/wide receiver against other Mission League players. But all of that is about to change in 2017.
The push for a big senior season to catch the eye of next level scouts is important to Jackson. The 5-9, 155 pound, speedster has joined ProWay’s 7-on-7 team competing with and against some of the top talent in the nation between the 2018 and 2019 recruiting classes. ProWay has not disappointed so far this season turning up big in one tournament after another capturing another title over the weekend at Lynwood High School.
In a One to Watch RNG stylized interview, I caught up with Jackson after the tournament getting an overview on his junior campaign, off-season, and upcoming camp plans.
Interview
Christian, when did you crack the varsity squad for Serra?
“I have been on varsity since my sophomore year. They were doing it to get me used to it. It was fun. Now I know how to play without being under pressure.”
Did you play some JV last season?
“Yes.”
How did that JV experience go for you?
“It was great. I felt like I was more athletic than the competition. There was not much competition out like in the varsity games but the games were good for reps.”
Which positions did you play for Serra’s JV?
“Slot and some corner.”
How did you prepare for your junior season?
“I went out to the park to work on my footwork, lifted weights every day, and gained 30 pounds. I worked on my speed and worked on routes on the field against other players.”
What are you working on this off-season?
“I’m working on eyeball contact, I’m working on my routes, working on gaining separation, and my explosiveness. I’m working on my hands too.”
Which positions might you play during the 2017 season?
“Probably just play slot. I’m working to do kick returns too.”
Which 7v7 team are you playing for this off-season?
“ProWay.”
How is 7v7 action helping your game?
“It is really helping with my routes. It is helping me break the game down and do all the technical stuff I need to do during the season.”
Have you attended any camps yet this off-season?
“No. I have a Rivals camp on April 8. I’m hoping to attend the Oakland Nike Regional (May 21).”
Which college camps might you attend coming up?
“Last year I went to Fresno State, Sacramento State, and San Jose State. This year I will do those and some others like USC and UCLA.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Northern Arizona has been showing interest and Arizona.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“I took an unofficial to UNLV, Cal-Berkeley, Fresno State, USC, and Stanford.”
Do you have any upcoming visits planned?
“I want to go to UCLA. I would like to visit Arizona.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“4.2.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“Not yet. I’m taking one in May. I’m taking the prep classes in April to get ready.”
Are you playing any other sports for Serra?
“Not this year. I ran track last year. I’m working on getting bigger this year.”
What is your goal for the 2017 season?
“I want to achieve a 4.6. I want to earn as many offers as I can. I want a good college that will benefit me in the long run.”
Christian, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of the camps and upcoming 7-on-7 tournaments.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Christian Jackson at a 7-on-7 tournament (March 2017).