Interview: 4-Star 2022 Nebraska OLB Devon Jackson Updates Workouts and Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 high school football season showed that the only thing that can slow down outside linebacker Devon Jackson is a series of nagging injuries. A handful of Nebraska teams got a reprieve from the 6-2, 200-pound, four-star defender last season thanks to an ankle, toe, and groin strain, but in the five games played, Jackson wore out teams, even when they were running away. Jackson helped his Bulldogs’ squad to a 9-2 record with 26 stops, 19 solo, 5.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, picked up a fumble and blocked a punt and field goal. Jackson’s speed, versatility, and tremendous upside has prompted nine college football programs to drop offers.
In an RNG first-look, Jackson sat down for an in-depth one-on-one interview covering his growing talents and early recruiting process.
Interview
Devon, last season was a good one for you on defense playing that outside linebacker role within the Bulldogs’ scheme. How do you feel the season went for you personally?
“I feel like the season went very well in a lot of aspects. There are things I need to work on to get better. With the coaches we have, my teammates and I can get better.”
What were the fronts you guys were executing last season?
“We run Cover 3, one high safety, an open middle, in a four-man front.”
You were crashing down hard off the edge against the run and on passing downs, what were some of the other responsibilities for you in the scheme?
“Depends on the play called. Mainly what I did was keep outside containment. If nothing was going to the outside, I would go get the running back.”
Once the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
“When the season ended, I felt like me covering ground was a strength. I ran a 10.9 100-meter during my freshman year at state. Now I am guessing that I would run a 10.8 and a 4.4 in the 40. I can cover ground, I need to use my hands better.”
When the 2020 season kicks off, are you taking on any new roles with the team?
“Yes. This year I will be on offense more. I will still be at outside linebacker on defense, but I will also play some receiver. You will see me on both sides of the ball having fun.”
Are you excited about the opportunity to play receiver this season?
“Yeah. I am pretty excited to show that I am not just a defensive player but that I can play both sides of the and do multiple things.”
Throughout the offseason, what have you been working on to improve your talents?
“This offseason I have been working on my hands, being more aggressive with my hands. No 200-something pound or 300-pound offensive lineman will just let me by. I have to be more aggressive. I am working on my inside moves so they are guessing how I will get around them.”
During this time, what has been your daily workout routine?
“My mom and I get up at 6:45 every day. We do a shift shop workout; this morning I did agility stuff. I also do 300 to 500 sit-ups, squats, and pushups and 100 catches with a tennis ball.”
Nice. That’s really cool the two of you are doing that together. If the college camp season happens, are you planning on competing at any?
“I’ve been planning on an LSU camp; that is one big one I wanted to go to. Other than that, I will see what camps are close. I also run summer track; we have track meets. I will try to make it equal with both of my schedules.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“When school was in session, Iowa came up twice and Notre Dame came up once or twice.”
How many offers are you holding?
“Nine.”
Which were the last couple of schools to offer?
“Michigan State, Michigan, and Missouri. I have also been talking to Ohio State; I spoke with their linebacker coach yesterday. He said he will talk to their head coach this week; we’ll see how that goes.”
Jackson’s Offer Sheet (9): Arizona State, Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas State, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska
Going back to the start of last season, did you get to take any unofficial visits?
“Yes, I took two to Nebraska for games and one to Iowa State.”
How did the Nebraska trips go overall?
“The first one, it was a close game against Northwestern, they won by a field goal. I thought that was cool to see. The Nebraska fans were hyped and celebrating and the stadium was shaking. That was cool. Wisconsin game was the second game I went up there for on a visit.”
And the Iowa State trip, how did that go?
“I thought it was pretty good. When I thought about Iowa State before the visit, I knew they were up and coming but I did not know much. I do like what Coach (Matt) Campbell (head coach) is doing with that program. He is changing it for the better.”
If the campuses open back up in the coming weeks, do you have any planned visits?
“Yes, I am taking an LSU visit; that will probably be the first one. I talked to their special teams coordinator, he wants me there. Michigan – I’ve been talking to them a lot. I will take an unofficial visit there. There are no other plans for visits right now.”
You’ve mentioned running track, which events are you competing in for Burke?
“The 100, 200, and 4×1.”
Last question. All athletes serious about their craft have goals they want to accomplish over a given period of time. What goals have you set for yourself for the offseason?
“I want to perfect my craft the best way possible to be the best defensive player I can be to be even more effective on the field.”
Devon, I enjoyed our talk today and wish you continued success with your workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Jackson family; Devon Jackson at Iowa State