Recruiting heating up for Marist ATH Reow Jackson

Marist high school in Eugene does not have it easy when it comes to sports. As the smallest member or Oregon’s 5A classification, the private Catholic school with grades 9-12 totaling just around 500 students and its various sports programs are highly sensitive to yearly enrollment fluctuations, graduations and injuries.

Last season was not everything veteran head coach Frank Geske and the Spartans were looking for, finishing with a 4-5 record and missing out on the playoffs. One shining bright spot was their standout junior Reow Jackson, who played quarterback, defensive back and special teams.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound athlete exhibited the tools colleges football programs are looking for with his athleticism and versatility, and heading into his senior campaign, has the chance to earn a scholarship to play at the next level with Oregon, Oregon State and Boise State all showing early interest.

Duck Sports Authority caught up with the rising junior to get his thoughts on his visit to Oregon last weekend and how his recruitment is progressing.

“It was great,” said Jackson of the Duck Spring Game. “The fans, seeing the fans, was definitely amazing how many people came out to support the players and the new coaching staff. I think they wanted to see how things have changed. In my eyes, things have improved. Players’ energy and coaching; we’ll see where they go.”

On the recruiting front things are just starting to heat up.

“Recruiting right now is getting to know the different coaches, getting comfortable with them,” Jackson began. “Right now we are just going back-and-forth, things I should work on. Coverage is what the Duck coaches are saying I should key in on during this off-season so that is big.”

The reason coverage is so important is that Oregon is looking at Jackson on defense, and that is going to be his focus at the next level.

“I think defensive back is what will get me there,” said Jackson. “Safety most definitely right now. I love playing both sides in high school; getting the ball to everybody and sometimes scoring on offense. But defense, that is what is going to get me into college.”

As of now Jackson is waiting for the first college to pull the trigger.

“If I work hard enough I think I will get offers. Hopefully some heading into the season and after the season a couple more. I need to show the Ducks my speed, my work-ethic and the ability to tackle. And of course like we talked about, I have to show that I know coverage and how to play schemes.”

Which school might throw their hat in the ring first?

“Oregon and Oregon State right now are the main two I think are the closest. It’s great that they are the two in-state schools, close to family and everything.”

For players at small schools in small states, teams are a little more hesitant to offer. They are not certain the level of competition they see on game film is providing an adequate test, and want to see the player in-person at their camps.

Coach Geske has seen plenty of football and has coached plenty of players who have gone on to play in college during his decades in the profession, a 13-time 'Coach of the Year' in five different leagues and three schools.

His assessment of Jackson?

“Reow is the best football player I have ever coached,” said Geske. “I would play him on every down if I dared.”

To even have a chance of playing college football, a prospect must do one crucial task beforehand; take care of academics. For Jackson, a product of Marist’s already rigorous academic standards, this will not be an issue.

“I am doing a good job in school,” he confirmed. “I am staying on top of my classes, trying to finish this semester higher than last. School is a really big focus this year for me.”

In terms of upcoming travels, more unofficial visits are on the horizon.

“Portland State, I am going to take a visit there,” said Jackson. “Boise State too and I think I’m going back to Oregon State. I went to their Junior Day and that was good. Those are the other main three right now.”

Last night, the University of Idaho surprised him with his first college offer.

As more teams become aware of Reow Jackson, his recruitment could be at its iceberg’s tip.