Interview: 3-Star 2022 New Hampshire RB Jackson Paradis Combines Speed and Power
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When it comes to a workhorse back that combines power and speed, Jackson Paradis is that guy. The Class of 2022 standout was limited to five games in 2019 due to a sprained ankle, but still went wild rushing for 825 yards with nine trips into the end zone. Between the tackles or on the outside, college programs are liking what they are seeing in the abilities of the 6-0, 225-pound, three-star recruit. Austin Peay, Colorado State, and Massachusetts have offered the Tilton School (NH) prospect with interest building along the east coast all the way to Cal-Berkeley.
In an RNG first-look, Paradis stopped by the Lab updating us on his workouts this fall and the path forward on New Hampshire’s 2020 high school football season.
Interview
Jackson, last season you showcased the speed and power out of the backfield with the Rams. When your sophomore season was complete, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
I feel like my strengths were my speed with strength, especially breaking tackles. Last season I was elusive, and continued to work on that a lot this summer. I am excited to see how the season goes.
What style of offense were you guys executing in 2019?
We were in a pro-style and spread. We were a mix of everything. Due to our personnel, we did not have that many kids on the team so we were trying different things to see what worked best.
In what ways was the OC getting the ball into your hands?
We ran mostly inside zone and some tosses to the outside.
When you hit the offseason, which skill areas of your game did you focus on the most?
I really wanted to focus on my speed and lateral quickness. This offseason I also worked on my route running and one-on-ones. Dana Berry, my trainer, I worked with him a lot.
What workouts have you been doing to add more power to your skills?
I’ve been squatting, doing cleans, bench press, and working on my 40 time three times a week. A lot of focus on my speed.
Sticking with that, what have you been doing to increase your speed and agility?
We do a mix of hills, sand pit, resistance running on a treadmill, and sprints at the field. I’ve worked on the fundamentals of 40 and built speed by pushing sleds and running with a parachute.
Being tested on the 40 so many times, what was your best-timed run?
I ran a 4.56. That was timed by Dana Berry, an NFL combine specialist. A 4.56 to 4.6-flat was my average hand timed runs.
When the 2020 season does get going, where will we see you on the field?
I will be mostly in the backfield, some at slot, and I will also be on special teams.
When did fall camp for the Rams begin?
We started about a month ago.
Looks like the 2020 season is set to begin on Friday, Oct. 9, against Proctor Academy, is that right?
Yes.
How excited are you and the team to get back on the field?
I am very excited. I have a lot of friends at home in Massachusetts wanting this opportunity, I am blessed.
How many games are on the schedule for this season?
We have three games scheduled but they are trying to add on three more against those same schools. I am not sure how it will all work out.
This next question is tough because you do not know what will happen based on the schedule, but if you guys get anything close to a full season what do you want to accomplish during the 2020 campaign?
Yeah, it would be different if we were playing an eight-game schedule. My goal for this season is to give it 100 percent and for us to win every game.
Let’s turn to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
I am receiving interest from UConn, Pitt, Cal, Army, Temple, Princeton, Rice, Bowling Green, Rutgers, Syracuse, and Nebraska.
Nice. How many offers have been dropped?
Three.
Going back to last season, did you get any unofficial visits in before the dead period?
Yes, I visited UMass. I checked out their game against Liberty.
When in-person visits will be allowed again is up in the air, but if you could go tomorrow, which schools would you like to see?
I would love to checkout Colorado State. My best friend, Owen Snively, is an offensive tackle there. I’d love to check out schools like UConn, Rutgers, Pitt, and Syracuse as well.
Last couple of questions. Going into your school work, what is your cumulative GPA?
Last year I finished with 3.3 GPA.
Do you play any other sports for Tilton?
Last year I was planning on running track, but because of COVID-19 it did not work out. But I plan on running track this year.
Jackson, I hope you and the team get as many games in as possible this season. I appreciate your time and wish you success going forward until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Paradis family; Jackson Paradis in action (2019)