Interview: Exciting 2018 Florida RB Fred Jackson Updates Season and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2017 campaign is starting out the same way the 2016 season ended for Class of 2018 running back Fred Jackson, and that is making opposing 7A Florida defenses look silly. Jackson is facing eight- and nine-man fronts but is still finding a way to be one of the most explosive runners in the nation.

Lake Minneola High School suffered through a tough 1-9 season a year ago but the hard-fought schedule was not without bright spots, with Jackson being one of them. With teams scheming to stop him, he still rushed for over 1,100 yards with 13 scores. The Hawks have started the 2017 season 1-2 with an odd twist to the year because of Hurricane Irma. The schedule opened normally on Aug. 25 against Eustis with a 20-13 overtime win but then had to play two games in one week lining up against South Lake on Sept. 1 and then Lyman on Sept. 7. Exact stats on the season have not been released, but the 5-9, 175 pound, speedster burned Eustis for 257 yards with three scores and now has seven touchdowns on his 2017 stat sheet.

Scouting on Jackson has picked up since the spring. University of Miami, Bowling Green, Middle Tennessee State, Georgia Southern, Campbell, Appalachian State, South Florida, and Central Florida are watching. Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Western Kentucky, Notre Dame (Ohio), and Army have all offered. For college coaches wanting to see Jackson in person, the Hawks once again are scheduled for two games within the same week taking on Hagerty (Oviedo) on Monday, Sept. 18 with a quick turnaround to prepare for Lake Howell (Winter Park) on Sept. 22 due to Hurricane Irma.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with the dynamic runner getting his insight on the start to the 2017 season and an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Fred, how has the 2017 season started for you personally?

“Pretty good. All the hard work is paying off. We lost a couple of games but we fought hard. What is going on now with Irma is a process. We have not really been practicing. We had two games in one week and we have two games in one week again next week.”

How are the Hawks’ coaching staff using your athletic talents on the field during your senior year?

“They are using me based on the team we are going against. If a team stacks the box, we spread them out. If they are not respecting the run, we run. The coaches are putting me where I can make impact plays.”

After all the hard work on your game in the offseason, which areas of your game have improved over where you were this time last year on the field?

“I’m a better runner this year. I have gotten faster. My speed has increased.”

Which areas of your game do you consider the strengths of your abilities on the field?

“My field vision, I can see things others don’t see. I can see what is coming. My speed and making people miss are strengths. It is hard for defenders to tackle me because I am always moving my feet.”

Last year the opposition was stacking the box, how are defenses scheming against you through the first three games of the season?

“They are stacking the box against me again this year. I’m always seeing eight guys in the box trying to stop the run.”

When the Hawks play Hagerty on Monday, what kind of challenge does their defense present for you and the offense?

“They will stack the box to stop the run. If we can spread them out, I don’t think they can match us athlete for athlete. If we can spread it out, it will be hard for them to stop us.”

Are you doing anything differently this year with your weekly game preparation?

“Yes. I am studying more game film this year. Last year I studied, but this year I am even more focused to see what the defense is throwing at me so I can make the right cut. I’m studying to see what I can do to get around the defenses to get more yards.”

Since you have five offers and a lot of interest, have any planned an official or unofficial visit yet?

“No, sir. Not yet. I’m waiting until after the season so I can focus on the season.”

How has the school year started off in the classroom?

“Pretty good. I have A’s and B’s. I’m staying focused during my senior. I’m staying on top of everything the best I can because of Irma.”

Which class is your favorite?

“Psychology.”

Is there something you learned in one of your classes that got you more excited or interested in the subject, if so, what was it that you learned?

“In Psychology, learning the way people think and how they think differently. The thought process of different people surprised me – type A and type B, right-brain vs. left-brain.”

Have you set an ACT or SAT test date yet?

“There is an ACT test date coming up on Sept. 22 I am planning on taking.”

Fred, thanks for your time today. I’m glad you and your family are okay after Irma. Good luck with the ACT and the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

*Click link to see Fred Jackson’s 2017 early season highlight reel!

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Photo credit: Daily Commercial; No. 7 Fred Jackson in action (2017)

Photo credit: Michelle Brown Photography; No. 7 Fred Jackson gets around the end