Interview: 4-Star 2022 Nebraska OLB Devon Jackson Updates Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As dominating as Devon Jackson was in about 5.5 games during his sophomore season, the work put into his overall game during the spring and summer months promised to be an all-world kind of showcase in 2020. The 6-2, 200-pound, outside linebacker battled through various injuries for his Burke High School squad coming up with 26 tackles, 19 solo, with 5.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, a forced fumble, and blocked a punt and a field goal. The work shown and unlimited potential has forced college programs to act quickly with 12 offers dropped, and more sure to come. When the next round of offers is to be dropped for the Omaha area talent is in limbo. The Bulldogs’ 2020 season is influx for now waiting for clarification on a path forward from in-state decision makers. Regardless, Jackson has a plan for the season and a plan for an extended offseason which all means trouble for opposing Nebraska squads.
In an RNG update interview, Jackson fills me in on what is going on with the Bulldogs and his recruiting process.
*Click link for May 5 RNG interview with Devon Jackson
Interview
Devon, last we spoke you were working hard on your hands and shedding blocks, what else have you focused on this offseason as a defender?
Man coverage and my coverage in general. As a linebacker, you want to do it all, not just filling holes and hitting running backs. You want to be that Isiah Simmons (Clemson) guy; he is my favorite. I can relate to him. He is a linebacker and a safety, and he can blitz and cover. That is something I try to do and want to do with my game. I have a trainer, he was a linebacker at Notre Dame, who is helping me improve my game. I want to be the best linebacker I can be.
With the work you are putting in, where are you seeing improvements over the end of your sophomore season?
My lateral quickness has improved, going back and forth. On counters or play action, you have to go side to side. I have gotten better at that. My pass rush moves are way better now. All around I have evolved as a linebacker becoming that linebacker you should be.
How have you been adding more strength and power to your growing skills?
I do a lot of push-ups and pull ups. All day long and in between, I end up doing 200 push-ups, 200 pull-ups, and 100 squats a day. Now that I say that, I need to double the amount of squats I am doing. All of that is on my own. When I lift, I do the explosive workouts like dead-lifts, cleans, and stuff like that.
What have you been doing to increase that lateral and straight-ahead quickness?
I work with my track coach too. He has me running hills, digging into the dirt for more explosion, and doing cone drills.
Going into recruiting. How many offers have been dropped?
I have 12 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Notre Dame, Iowa, Michigan State.
Jackson’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Notre Dame
When the campuses open back up again, are there any visits you’d like to take?
The schools I want to visit are Notre Dame, Michigan, Arizona State – I really like their coaches, and Nebraska.
Looking to the 2020 season now. Another big season is ahead for you and the Bulldogs. How have the summer workouts and practices gone for you guys?
They were going super-well, we were working so hard. I believe we would have had the best team in the state. We’ve been working hard doing hard farm workouts, different from the high-tech workouts.
What has been the decision for the season? Have they pushed the start or cancelled the season?
It is suspended for now. They are supposed to have a meeting about cancelling it. I don’t know if they know what’s going to happen with our season yet.
If the season is pushed or effectively cancelled, what goals are you setting for yourself to keep the grind going?
If they do cancel the season, my goal is to be the best player I can be. I want to be the best in my state. The guys that are playing, you will see who wants it. The guys who are not playing, you will see how badly do they want it. Are they still working out? Are they still putting in the work? I will treat this off time like I am in-season.
Devon, for you and the team, I hope you guys get a chance to showcase your skills and hard work in the safest environment possible. I appreciate your time today.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Jackson family; Devon Jackson