Interview: Impressive Offer Sheet Building for 2023 Louisiana RB Kaleb Jackson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is speed and there is power, and then there is Class of 2023 Louisiana running back Kaleb Jackson. Jackson is that rare mix of a power back with breakaway speed capable of taking any handoff to the house from any spot on the field. During the abbreviated 2020 high school football season, the 5-11, 200-pound, tailback lit up 4A defenses averaging 11.1 yards per carry covering 907 yards with 12 total touchdowns. His 10.6 speed in the 100 was further showcased on kick returns taking three back for scores. As teams find out about the Liberty High School standout, offers are being dropped. Baylor, Florida State, LSU, and TCU see him as a cornerstone piece of their future offense.
In an RNG first-look interview, Jackson covers ground on his sophomore campaign, offseason workouts, and upcoming camps.
Interview
Kaleb, you had a breakout year in 2020 topping the 900-yard rushing mark with 12 touchdowns on the ground during a shortened season. At what point during the schedule did everything start to click for you where the game slowed down and you were even more confident with your abilities in the offense?
I think for my 2020 season, I didn’t do as well as I wanted. We didn’t have as many games, I thought my season was kind of mediocre. The Bel-Air game was the best one; that was our last one. I had four touchdowns and about 400 yards rushing. It all slowed down for me then.
What offensive scheme were you guys running?
We had a new quarterback, we were more pass heavy, but with some runs mixed in. We were running the Pistol.
What were some of the play calls designed to get the ball to you?
It all depended on down and distance or if it was time to get a run play in. They got me the ball on outside and inside zone plays, but more to the outside so I could get in space.
Which areas of your game saw the most growth during the 2020 season?
My receiving skills; that increased a lot. During my freshman year, I did not have that many receiving touchdowns. This season, my coaches started fitting me in with passes out of the backfield.
What do you feel are the strengths to your game?
I do well at breaking tackles and getting the extra yards. My breakaway speed is something I do really well.
What are you doing this offseason to increase your speed agility?
I work at home doing ladder drills for better footwork. This season I ran track. That helped my speed a lot. I am also playing 7v7 this school year. That has helped with my receiving skills.
Which 7v7 team did you play for?
Cream.
How did the 7v7 season go?
We did well. It was a rough start, then we started clicking with chemistry. We made some deep runs in tournaments, but did not win any championships. But we were a deep team.
Back to your offseason workouts, what are you doing to add more strength and power?
I am in the weight room pretty much all week long. Any workout you name, I am doing it: squats, bench, and cleans. We do everything in the weight room.
You mentioned running track, which events were you competing in this spring?
The 100, 200, 4×1, and 4×2.
What did you PR in the 100?
I ran a 10.6 in state.
Wow. That’s amazing. What did that place you in the state?
Fourth.
That’s a big deal. Congratulations.
Thank you.
Have you dropped a 40-yard dash this offseason?
Yes, I went to a camp and ran a laser-timed 4.45.
Very cool. Which camps have you gone to so far and which ones are coming up for you?
I went to an ESPN 300 camp and I plan on going to Texas A&M, Florida State, and an LSU camp. I might add more though.
Which programs are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?
Mainly A&M. They want to see me in person and see how I play. I have their camp on my schedule. That is pretty much it.
How many offers do you have?
Four: Baylor, Florida State, LSU, and TCU.
Which staff was the first to offer?
Florida State.
What was that moment like for you receiving an offer from FSU?
It was out of the blue. I could not believe honestly. It did not hit me until a day later that I had got an offer from a Power 5 D-I school.
Kaleb, it was a lot of fun matching the skills on the field with the player off it today. Thanks for your time. Wishing you great success at the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Jackson family; Kaleb Jackson