Robert Jackson: Archbishop Wood has always been dominant in the football scene. Being the reigning state champions this past season for the first time since 2011. They have also produced several incredible talents like Carolina Panthers Tight-End Colin Thompson and future NFL prospect in Florida’s Kyle Pitts among many others. There are often eyes on the high school program to see who will be the next top talent to surface from the 5A school. It wouldn’t take long to notice, that guy might be Defensive End, Robert Jackson. Jackson stands at a staggering 6 feet 6 inches and weighs in at 245 pounds.

Jackson has garnered the attention of several top programs. The 3-star recruit announced his top 10 schools about a week ago. The list includes Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Indiana, Syracuse, Temple, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Nebraska, Arizona State, and Cincinnati. 

Thank you to all the coaches who are recruiting me, blessed to be in the position I’m in…. Top10 ! pic.twitter.com/viNfVsA4z9

— Robert Jackson (@robjackson215) June 21, 2020

Jackson possesses a deadly trio of size, strength, and speed. He can chase any QB in the pocket and between his lateral speed and length no running back is getting outside of him. I had a chance to talk to Robert to discuss his past Junior year, and what lies ahead in both High-School, and beyond.

Being a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball, how did it feel to be a key piece in bringing the state title back to Archbishop Wood this past season?

“It was a great honor to be apart of a championship team and knowing I helped contribute my part in bringing it back.”

What factors led to you deciding on your top 10 schools?  

“Mostly those were the schools that I think had a great staff as well as a great environment on and off the field. Also, my connection with the coaches is a key factor and I like with those schools are doing with their programs.”

What are your thoughts going into this season as you guys look to repeat as state champions?

“I think if we all stay focused during this time and really lock-in, I think we can come back and really make a statement for ourselves and our school and just show everybody what we are about. Because last season it was the exact same way with us being the underdogs and being discredited.”

How has basketball helped you at all with football in terms of skill-work and technique?

“I think basketball played a big part in my football career because before football, all I played and worked on was basketball. The basketball coaches and staff at Wood, really pushed me to be better and continue my growth through things like footwork and agility.”

How have you stayed prepared and in shape during quarantine?

“During quarantine, I was able to keep myself in shape better then how I would be if there was school. This is just because of the simple fact that I had a lot of free time, a whole bunch of in-home workouts that my lifting coach, Joe Hallman gave me, and I also started up a personal trainer.”

What are your goals as you prepare to take your game to the next level in college? 

“My main goal to prepare for the next level is just to keep my head on straight and to stay humble and keep working to expand my game and push myself every day.” 

What do you like to do in your free time?

“ I love playing Xbox. I’m a huge fan of NBA 2K, Madden, GTA, and Call of Duty.”