Interview: 2020 NMMI JUCO RB Fred Jackson is Focal Point for Opposing Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For any football player at any level wondering about their talent level or how they are perceived by others, watch the game tape. If teams are scheming to stop you from effecting the outcome of the game, chances are you are pretty damn good. For Class of 2020 New Mexico Military running back Fred Jackson, opposing junior college defenses are putting eight in the box in an attempt to keep him down, but that is not stopping him from producing.
Since his days at Lake Minneola High School in Florida, Jackson (5-9, 185) has always been a featured back opposing defensive coordinators have fretted over not sure how to contain his explosive talents. There are few with the speed and quickness of Jackson’s able to find a crease for an extra yard and put the hammer down at the point of contact for one more with the ability to break one in a heartbeat. His talents translated to the college game a year ago getting 63 carries in nine games for 599 yards with five trips into the end zone while pulling in 17 passes for 264 more yards with two more scores going up on the board. His sophomore campaign has started off with 227 yards on the ground off 54 totes with two scores and seven receptions for 66 more all-purpose yards in stats posted through three games. His open-field abilities have been highlighted in 2019 with an 85-yard kick return.
With the Broncos off to a 2-2 record and Jackson seeing an eight-man front each time he is in the backfield, we sat down for a quick one-on-one covering his progress and recruiting prospects.
*Click link for Feb. 6, 2019, RNG interview with Fred Jackson
Interview
Fred, the Broncos are coming off a big 31-17 win over Air Force Prep. How did the team look in the victory?
“We looked pretty good. We started off slow, but after the first couple of drives we got it going. We scored on the third drive, I got into the end zone. We are making adjustments. We are going against an eight-man box. We are seeing what they are doing and adjusting our plays to their defense. Everything else looked smooth.”
The offense is scoring at a high click, 28 points per game. What is working for you guys making the offense so dangerous?
“We try to spread the ball out. Teams are respecting our run, now we are trying to get them to respect the pass more to open up the box.”
You killed it in the opener rushing for 133 yards on 16 carries with two rushing scores. How has the season started out for you out of the backfield?
“It has been up and down. Teams are keying on me hard. They are stacking the box. I am trying to do what I can for the team so I can help us win. They have moved me out to slot so I can make plays there.”
As you mature physically and add game experience to your resume, what do you feel are the strongest parts to your game?
“I can run routes and I can catch; I don’t have to be in backfield to make plays. In the open-field I am dangerous. I am dangerous in open space.”
Where are you showing the most improvements?
“I am showing the most improvement with my blocking. That was a weakness for me last season. I have improved heavily in my blocking. I am trying to take that to another level.”
Is there an area of your skillset that gets overlooked?
“My running ability. Some say I am small because I am 185-pounds, but I feel like I run as a 220-pound back. I run with a lot of power. One man will not bring me down.”
Please remind me, what is your fastest 40-yard time?
“My best is a 4.43.”
Nice. With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from UCF (Central Florida) and USF (South Florida).”
Which teams have offered you?
“Coastal Carolina and New Mexico.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
I know you guys are busy with the season, when might you start taking recruiting visits?
“I am planning to take my officials after the season, may over or around the Thanksgiving break.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your skills?
“They like that I can make plays. They like that I can turn something out of nothing. When there is nothing there, I can make plays; they love that. They like my vision, speed, and my quickness.”
What goals have you set for your sophomore season?
“My goal is to be the best player in the nation, the best athlete in the nation. I want to lead the nation in rushing, return yards, and all-purpose yards.”
You guys have a bye this week and then come back to face Tyler. What kind of showdown are you expecting against Tyler?
“Our coaches have a good game plan against Tyler. I will be used in different ways on offense to get the ball. We have a good coaching staff. The game plan we have for Tyler is a good one, we just have to execute it.”
What are some of the other big-time games left on the schedule you are pumped to play?
“The rest of the season is all conference games. Every game is big from here on out.”
Is there anything you would like to share before we end the interview?
“Yes. I feel like I am being overlooked. I know I have a lot to prove, but schools are overlooking me. After this season, they will see it.”
I like the confidence. Fred, as always, thanks for your time. I hope you and the Broncos take care of business the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
*Fred Jackson is a NCAA qualifier
Photo credit: NMMI; No. 1 Fred Jackson