Interview: 3-Star 2019 LB Jackson Cloyd Lays Out Possible Spring Recruiting Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Being productive on the field in high school at any position is great, but putting up impressive numbers in California’s Trinity League… well, that activity takes on a more powerful meaning. When Orange Lutheran put on the helmet and shoulder pads in 2017, one thing they could count on when defending their own goal line was the play of inside linebacker Jackson Cloyd.

Cloyd proved to be one of the Lancers many underclassmen earning a rising star label last season. The 6-2, 220 pound, playmaker was a beast on the gridiron coming up with 101 tackles, 28 solo, 10 tackles for a loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions in stats through 10 games.

Without context, stats have no meaning. The Lancers (6-6) bypassed a creampuff schedule earning their way into the playoffs taking on teams like La Mirada, Cathedral Catholic, Vista Murrieta, and Norco before league play against end of season No. 3 St. John Bosco (MaxPreps), JSerra, Servite, national champs Mater Dei, and Santa Margarita. The playoffs were no easier downing then- No. 12 Chaminade before facing end of season No. 17 nationally ranked Mission Viejo.

Offers have been extended to the Class of 2019 recruit from Montana State and Nevada with Duke, TCU, Oregon State, Army, and Fresno State, among others, all showing various levels of interest. In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with Cloyd getting an update on his offseason workouts and growing recruiting interests.

Interview

Jackson, looking back, how did your junior season on the field go overall?

“It went really well. We started out 5-0 but then hit a rough run in league. We had a new defensive coordinator last year, it was fun doing what he taught us. We had a good season overall.”

Where did you see the most growth in your game?

“I saw the most growth with my reads. I became quicker off the ball seeing my run or pass reads.”

What is your attack plan to your offseason?

“I am working on my speed a lot – I want a quicker time for the 40. I’m looking forward to the Nike camp to showcase what I’ve been doing this offseason. I’ve been lifting a lot of weights and working on my speed to run even better with my weight.”

Is there an area or two of your game that you are working on this spring?

“I’m working on my pass rushing moves at the Men in the Trenches camps. I am working on being an elite pass rusher.”

What goals have you set for yourself before summer camp begins?

“Lower my 40-yard dash time, bench 225 pounds 10-times, and increase my squat.”

You mentioned the Nike camp a minute ago, which camps or combines are you possibly going to attend this spring?

“Nike, a Vanderbilt, Yale, and Oregon State camp. I’m planning on going out to Northwestern for a camp one weekend this summer.”

Which schools are showing interest?

“Army, Penn, Yale, Harvard, Columbia, Northwestern – talking to them, and I’m talking to Oregon State’s recruiter.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“TCU, SMU, Montana State, and Duke.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“I plan on going to Oregon State, Cal this summer, Northwestern and Vandy for sure. I’m also going to Duke in March.”

Alright, enough with recruiting. A couple of fun last questions for you. Last season, was there a running back you enjoyed lining up against – someone that challenged you?

“Chaminade’s running back, Andrew Van Buren. He’s going to Boise State. He was fun to play against.”

Was there a team OLU faced that had a bunch of talkers?

“Mater Dei. They never stopped talking.”

Last question, a lot of guys have their own superstitions before a game, do you have any?

“When I’m on the bus, I have to listen to two songs before I get off Jay Cole’s Role Models and Kenya West’s Stronger.”

Jackson, thanks for your time today, and good luck with the upcoming camps and visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Cloyd family; Jackson Cloyd in action (2017)