Myles away from home

By Smith | 4/25/10 | Email

West Chester, PA linebacker Myles Jackson is a very physical linebacker who plays the game with aggression.  He moves extremely well for a player at 6’4”, 225 pounds and shows a lot of athleticism.  He seems to play with a bit off a chip on his shoulder too which will only aid the search for his first offer. 

Recently, Jackson took the Ohio State coaching staff up on their offer to attend their annual Scarlet vs. Gray spring game in Columbus, OH this weekend.  The Buckeye coaches have been recruiting Jackson for a few weeks now.  It seems as though the coaches are impressed by him both as a player and a person.  After getting the chance to speak with Jackson, I know I was as well.  Here is that conversation from earlier today. 

Smith: Myles, how are you doing?  How as the trip?

Jackson: It was good. It was about 7.5/8 hours but I slept the whole way home so I’m good.

Smith: Was it worth it?

Jackson: It was definitely worth it.  I had a great time at Ohio State.

Smith: Who did you go with?

Jackson: My family.  My mom, my dad, my sister.

Smith: Can you walk me through your visit, your activities?  What all did you get to see?

Jackson: When we got there, we ate a little bit.  They had a little buffet there.  Then we went around with a student aid.  We actually got to see the student library, the workout center, came back and saw the coaches.  Then we watched the game.  After the game, we got to talk to the coaches more position wise.  I got to talk to Coach Fickell, the linebacker coach.  It was good.

Smith: They’re definitely recruiting you as a linebacker and did they specify which spot?

Jackson: As a linebacker, yes.  But no, they didn’t say what spot yet.

Smith: Where do you think you fit in best?

Jackson: I’ve been playing weak side linebacker in high school, but I can play any linebacker.  I’m used to having the flat coverage and blitzing the edge.  I’ve played defensive end in high school too so it doesn’t really matter to me.

Smith: How long has Ohio State been recruiting you?

Jackson: I’ve received a couple of letters.  This was the first time I’ve been up there so it was nice to put faces to names and things like that.  But it’s been like a couple of weeks.

Smith: How heavy would you characterize their interest so far?

Jackson: Since they just got into the mix, you can’t really gauge that yet.  We’ll see around the May visits what they say to my coaches and my counselors and stuff.

Smith: Did they discuss an offer with you?

Jackson: Not really.  They talked about coming up to a camp and getting in front of the coaches some more.  They haven’t been to a game so they want to see me in live action.

Smith: Do you know how they became interested in you?

Jackson: I sent a highlight tape to them and they took it from there. 

Smith: What are your feelings right now about Ohio State?

Jackson: I really liked it.  The campus was nice, the school is nice, the tradition.  The fans are great. They packed the stadium even with a little bad weather.  I liked Coach Tressel, I got to talk to him a little bit.  I really liked the players there.  It’s a great school. 

Smith: Who did you spend the most time with?

Jackson: Coach Fickell.  His brother went to Penn so he knows my area a little bit.  It was nice to see someone who knows about where I’m from. 

Smith: You feel like you could relate well with him after spending some time with him?

Jackson: Oh yes.  Especially since he has the local connection. 

Smith: Did you follow a particular team growing up?

Jackson: Actually, I followed Miami because my dad played for them and my parents went there.  My dad is Herb Jackson.  He graduated from there in ’80 and played linebacker for them. 

Smith: So I imagine the Canes hold quite a pull for you then?

Jackson: It does.  I mean, I always would wear the Miami clothes growing up and I’ve been to games and met some of their players.  It’s interesting, getting to see that aspect of life early on so I could know what to expect.

Smith: How does your dad feel about it all?  Does he talk to you about going to Miami?

Jackson: Sometimes when we go visit a rival school, he’ll put in his 2 cents.   He talks about when he played Penn State and when he played Ohio State in Ohio Stadium.  So he has his input from when he went through the recruiting process. 

Smith: He doesn’t have any rules, like no committing to Cane rivals or anything?

Jackson: No.  He says whatever is best for me is fine. 

Smith: Who are some of the schools recruiting you?

Jackson: It’s mostly Big Ten, ACC, some Big 12, and UCLA.

Smith: Who’s recruiting you the hardest?

Jackson: Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Iowa, UConn.  They’ve all expressed a lot of interest lately.

Smith: Are you ready to name any favorites?

Jackson: Right now, I’m still open.  I’ve visited some schools.  I want to go to some camps and take some campus tours to see what the over all feel of the school is like before I name any favorites. 

Smith: Where else have you been so far?

Jackson: I’ve been to Notre Dame, Virginia, Louisville, Penn State, Rutgers, UConn, Syracuse, Boston College, and now Ohio State.

Smith: Do you have any plans to attend any camps?

Jackson: I'm looking to go to some camps over the spring and summer and check out some campuses and schools.  I’m probably going to Penn State.  We might drive down to Virginia and check things out down there. I'm also considering camps at Ohio State, Notre Dame, Rutgers, and Connecticut. There's a chance we could stop by Boston College again, too.

Smith: What schools seem like the closest to offering?  Is it weighing on you at all?

Jackson: Probably Rutgers or Syracuse.  I've been talking to them a lot and they seem really interested.  It's not too nerve-wracking, but I am waiting for that first offer. I guess I'm anxious to get it, but I know it’s coming.

Smith: What are some of the things you’re looking for in a school and a major?

Jackson: I’m really looking at the graduation rate because it shows how the program gets behind the student and helps them graduate.  A good academic school like I know Boston College and Notre Dame are great academic schools.  The academic staff, how they come across, what they’re willing to do to help the player succeed.  I’m not really sure about a major but probably something in business. 

Smith: How are your academics right now?

Jackson: I have a 3.8 GPA right now and I’m in the National Honor Society.  I haven’t taken the SATs yet.  I take that June 5^th, I think.  I’m in honors & AP classes so I’m a pretty good student.

Smith: Program wise, are you looking for the big stage or would a chance to start right away for a smaller school be more important?

Jackson: Starting right away doesn’t matter to me.  I want a program with a lot of tradition.  Even like a Notre Dame or if they have to rebuild somewhat.  I want a nice campus feel that’s kind of contained and has an over all family feel. 

Smith: So if a school in a more rural setting comes calling?

Jackson: I would definitely entertain their call.  That’s not a problem at all.

Smith: What kind of coaches would you like to play for in college?

Jackson: My coach is really kind of laid back.  We have a lot of fun in practice.  He’s no nonsense and there’s no messing around but it’s a laid back atmosphere.  I would like to play for that in college.  It’s a factor but not a big one because coaches often change.  You don’t want to go somewhere based just off of the coach. 

Smith: Do you have a message for fans of the schools recruiting you?

Jackson: I would want them to know that I’m always willing to work hard.  I’ll always be pushing 110%: on the field, in the classroom.  I’m not going to get in trouble.  I love football.  It’s been in my family my whole life.  I really just want to work hard and continue to get better as a player. 

Discuss Myles Jackson on ThaRinger.com message boards HERE.