Interview with Lightening Quick New Mexico Military JUCO APB Fred Jackson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are quick running backs and there are fast running backs, and then there are some who are quick and fast… and then there is a whole other level when talking about guys like Fred Jackson (5-9, 182). The former Lake Minneola (FL) standout is downright nasty with the pigskin in his hands able to shake loose his own shadow. A qualifier, Jackson took his talents to New Mexico Military Institute playing as a true freshman ranking fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards and eighth in kick return yards compiling 599 yards on the ground with five touchdowns and 17 receptions for 264 yards with two more scores on the board. On special teams, he took back 19 kicks for 599 yards. Now it is up to college coaches to find him in New Mexico.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Mr. Jackson covering his 2018 season, growth as a player at the JUCO level, and his offseason workouts.
Interview
Fred, you are accustomed to playing against top competition coming from 7A ball in Florida. What were some of the differences in talent level from Florida to the JUCO level?
“Everyone wants it at the JUCO level. It is faster, you have to work harder. It is more competitive than high school football. There are more bounce-backs, it takes the game to another level. The speed and competitiveness is at another level.”
What were some of the things you had to change to adapt to the collegiate level?
“I got stronger and my speed, I got faster. Those are the two main things that has changed the most. I know the game better now. JUCO is not like high school where you can get away with different plays. You have to know what you are doing on the field and you have to know the entire playbook.”
How were you used within the offense?
“I played running back, slot, to outside receiver, punt and kick returner. They utilized me well to get the ball to me as much as possible.”
Beyond your strength and speed, how did your game evolve during your true freshman season from your final season in high school from a more technical standpoint?
“Knowing the game better and working even harder. I feel like I am the hardest working kid at my school, I think that shows. I have continued to develop the little things and I have worked hard on my route running. My patience as a runner has gotten better. We run a lot of inside zone, I had to be patient. I became more explosive, stronger, and added more speed to my game.”
What are you working on this offseason with your game?
“I am working on getting faster, stronger – I want to get my legs stronger, and I am working on adding five more pounds.”
I know you are a full qualifier, when is your graduate date if you go through all the way at New Mexico Military?
“I believe my grad date is May 2020.”
Fred, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with your spring workouts.
“Thank you.”
*Click link for Jan. 16, 2018, RNG interview with Fred Jackson
Photo credit: New Mexico Military Institute; Fred Jackson in action
He’s so determined not only is he a great athlete he’s a great kid all around
Agreed! As one can tell from the interviews from over the years, I am a fan of Fred’s! I always enjoy catching up with him, always have fun talking to him.
Thanks for reading and commenting! – RNG
I remember when He first started playing at the age of 5 it was like watching a Child learning how to walk. They don’t know what to do with hem but when Fred found out what the game was all about it was all down hill from there. But the hard part about the game hem being told he was to small but he had A point to prove to a lot of people now look