Interview: 3-Star 2021 Nevada WR Michael Jackson III is a Game Changer

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

College football programs looking for a homerun hitter at receiver, be sure to check out Class of 2021 standout Michael Jackson III. The 6-0, 191-pound, target is truly that player who can take a quick slant and/or screen pass from the 10-yard line racing off for a 90-yard score. His impressive speed, hands, and field vision are also on display as a punt return specialist taking back game changing boots for scores or to put his offense into advantageous field position. His efforts on the field have led to a 7-0 start for one of Nevada’s best, Desert Pines. Those talents have earned him three-star recruiting status and 10 scholarship offers.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I spent time with the Las Vegas area product covering all that he does on the field with an update on his vast recruiting opportunities.

Interview

Michael, the Jaguars are having an amazing season going undefeated to date. The offense has been a high-performing machine posting 45 per game. What is working for you guys allowing all the points going up on the board?

“It is our offense, but our defense is our backbone. Some nights if the offense is not doing well, we can rely on them and help us out. Even if they have an off game, they finish strong. Our defense is our strongest part. They shift momentum for us.

“On offense, we have so many weapons. We have four receivers, including myself, that can make plays. We have identical stats, and our quarterback is doing well at spreading the ball around. You will not see one receiver with 900 yards, I think all of us are around the same numbers. We have two good running backs. They are both young, but they will be here next year. We have a sophomore quarterback and we have Darnell Washington at tight end. With all the weapons, we have been able to come together and work well as a team.”

The coaches are lining you up all over and putting you out there on a lot of different routes. If you will, give me that breakdown on the routes you are running and how you are being utilized in the scheme?

“With me, they know I can run any route with my speed and size. I can play anywhere on the field; I can go inside or outside. My abilities work well in the offense. I am being spread around the field running all the routes. I am used well.

“The routes I am running, everything you can think of – digs, posts, streaks, inside out, inside slants, outside slants, whips, and turn routes. Anything that helps our offense, I will run. Anything that can help get me or the other receivers open, I will do.”

You have that needed connection with your quarterback, how did the two of you develop that chemistry?

“I got with him during the summer, this is his first year at Desert Pines. We knew he was going to start. I got with him outside of practice, we threw and worked on routes. If I went training, I would ask him to throw with me. I got with him this summer and we built a relationship. He is one of my close friends on the team, that reflects on the field. You can tell we have that chemistry.”

The wheels on you show, not only on offense but also on special teams. How fast are you?

“My fastest 40 is a 4.5. I ran that at The Opening (Oakland). I feel that I have gotten faster since then.”

How are defenses trying to slow your roll?

“Defenses have tried a lot of things – playing off and tried to limit us to shorter routes. But when we have as many receiving weapons, it is spread around. You cannot worry about one person. They can’t really stop our offense unless we mess up. We should be able to score on every drive.

“Defenses have tried everything even a five-man. They have not tried to press us yet. We are bigger than most other kids in Vegas. We mainly see a lot of man and zone, and we are still undefeated having passed all our tests.”

What are some of the strengths to your game we have not talked about yet?

“A strength that I have is manipulating defenders with my feet. I am able to catch them off guard with the routes that I run. The way I move my feet in a different direction, they do not know which route I may run. I keep my hips vertical; they cannot jump the route or guess it. That is something I picked up in the offseason. That helps me get separation, because the cornerback does not know what I am going to do.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“Boise State, USC, and Washington – I just talked to them, are showing interest. UCLA, Miami, Tennessee, Georgia is a little bit – they interviewed me after our second game. I know I am forgetting some.”

No worries. How many offers are you holding?

“I have 10 offers.”

Jackson’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, California, Oregon State, UNLV, Utah, Washington State, West Virginia, and Wisconsin

From the summer until now, have you visited any campuses?

“Yes. Over the summer I took a few visits. I visited USC, UCLA, UNLV, West Virginia, and Miami after camping with them. I also visited Georgia and Utah. Last week, I visited Cal for the Oregon State game.”

Tell me about how the Cal visit went.

“It was really different. The relationship I have with the Cal coaches, that made it comfortable for me. It was like I was supposed to be there. Their offense did well. Their starting QB is injured, but you could see what they are trying to do with their offense. They have senior receivers, I could picture myself in their offense.”

Any planned visits ahead?

“On Nov. 16, I am going to Utah for their game against UCLA.”

That will be fun. Last question. The Jaguars had a little bit of a test last time out against Legacy winning 21-14. How will that game help you guys over the last two regular season games before going into the playoffs?

“It helps us because it humbled us. We were big-headed because they were 4-3. We took them lightly. We did not execute well. Our offense fumbled three or four times early in the game which allowed them to score. We played on our heels and let them get over on us. We played a sloppy game. That forces us to sit down, go back to the board and refocus; it forces us to play a cleaner game. We realize it now. It shows in our practices this week. We have to keep executing well. We have to use our weapons correctly and cannot be overwhelmed with outside distractions.”

Michael, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you and the team success the rest of the way.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Jackson family; Michael Jackson III at Cal and Tennessee