Interview: California JUCO LB/SS Nolan Jackson is the 2017 Recruit Colleges are Overlooking
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
If there was a definition in the dictionary for “under the radar recruit” Nolan Jackson would fit the description perfectly. To date only three schools can muster up the recruiting bravado to say they were on Jackson early – San Jose State, Cal, and Hawaii. The rest of the college football world is flat out missing out.
During his freshman season, Jackson was so good he filled in at middle linebacker for Glendale Community College. Listed at 5’11.5”, 215 pounds, the size differential for Jackson as opposed to other middle linebackers did nothing to stop his production. Jackson stormed the American Pacific Conference for 151 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in 10 games played. His breakout performance earned him first team All-Conference honors.
Watching Jackson on the field, one can quickly tell a true gamer is set on locking down the opposition. Jackson is a sideline to sideline player who is quick, likes to hit, and is instinctive snuffing out plays. Where the former Bishop Alemany High School talent plays at the next level is still up in the air. Jackson can play outside linebacker or even drop back as a strong or free safety delivering punishment to wide receivers going across the middle or to ball carriers slipping past the line of scrimmage.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Jackson going over his freshman season in the California JUCO ranks, his offseason workouts, and received a recruiting news update.
Interview
Nolan, even though you might have been playing out of position last season, you were still highly productive. What are your strengths on the field?
“I feel my strengths are reading my keys, I am a for-sure tackler. I have good play recognition.”
How many tackles did you end up with last season?
“I think I had 151.”
Wow. What are you working on in the offseason to improve upon for your sophomore campaign?
“My foot work, playing in space, and making the transition playing more strong safety and outside linebacker. I’m working on my hips and press coverage a lot.”
What are your offseason goals?
“I want to get faster and perfect my craft more. I’m working on increasing my speed and agility. I’m watching more film to recognize plays better. I’m not at the best of my abilities but I am pretty good. I just want to keep working to get better.”
Have you set any goals for the 2016 season?
“My only goal right now is to get D-I offers.”
You making a transition over the summer from Glendale right?
“Yes, I’m transferring to College of the Canyons.”
You mentioned outside linebacker and strong safety a minute ago. Are you expecting to play those positions at College of the Canyons in 2016?
“Yes.”
Are you excited about the position change?
“Yes. I started off playing outside linebacker my junior year and then switched to middle linebacker. I like safety a lot. I can come down hill and make plays and hit people.”
Which schools are showing interest in you right now?
“San Jose State has asked for my transcripts, I have received a call from Cal, and Hawaii too.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits so far?
“No.”
Do you have any lined up?
“No, not right now.”
What is your favorite part about playing football?
“I love playing defense. I like that you are standing your ground, making tackles, and not letting the offense past you.”
Nolan, thanks for your time today and good luck with your transfer this summer.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 5 Nolan Jackson.
Photo credit: glendale.edu; Glendale football.