Saturday visit to ASU set for Arkansas three-star 2024 WR Keenan Jackson Jr.
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If Arkansas high school football teams dare put just one defender on Keenan Jackson Jr., the play is over. Jackson (6-3, 180) has all the tools – height, speed, hands, and athleticism, to win any matchup. Even if double covered, Jackson’s prolific jumping ability puts him head and shoulders above the rest. The game changing talents are being coveted by next level squads in the know.
Jackson took it to Arkansas defenses last fall securing 42 for 725 yards with 11 trips into the end zone. Over the offseason, Jackson showcased his athletic abilities on the track adding to what coaches and fans are seeing on the gridiron.
“I compete in the long jump, triple jump, 4×1, 4×2, and high jump,” Jackson stated.
Asked about his personal bests in the long and triple jump, Jackson replied, “My long jump best is 23 feet, but my personal best is 24. In the triple jump, I think my best is 47.5.”
Running a Spread attack with Osceola High School, Jackson covered part of his offseason workouts.
“I mostly worked on my route running and getting in and out of my breaks,” Jackson said. “I have to get open. We run a Spread, and have good running backs. We have a lot of good athletes and we like throwing the ball.”
A couple of games into his senior season, the skills are evolving for Jackson, “My biggest improvements have to be my catching. I like to go up and get it.”
Jackson reports nine offers. Some of the teams in the mix includes Arkansas State, Bufalo, Liberty, Mississippi Valley State, UAB, UAPB, and UNLV.
Three teams are making that push with Jackson along the recruiting trail.
“The teams reaching out the most right now are UAB, Arkansas State, and Buffalo,” Jackson shared.
An offseason visit was taken to Birmingham.
“It went great,” Jackson said. “I liked it. It was cool. I am trying to get back to UAB.”
Jackson continued sharing his rapport with the Blazers’ coaching staff.
“It is great,” Jackson stated. “Coach (Austin) Appleby (WR) and I, we chop it up on the phone. He checks in to see how I am doing.”
Staying closer to home, the Red Wolves are impacting Jackson’s recruitment.
“Coach (Butch) Jones and I, we talk about how our weekends are going,” Jackson shared. “I am going up there on Saturday to watch them play.”
Asked about getting to see Arkansas State take on Memphis in Jonesboro, Jackson replied, “It will be a good game; it is a rivalry game. I want to see how they will play.”