Texas EDGE commit Lance Jackson talks Longhorns and baseball

Texas commitment Landon Jackson talks Longhorns and baseball 

Texarkana, Texas - OnTexasFootball 4-star Lance Jackson committed to Texas January 21 following a junior day visit. 

Jackson, 6-5 and 260, is not just one of the top football prospects in the state and country. He’s also expected to ascend to be one of top baseball prospects in Texas in the 2025 cycle.

OnTexasFootball spent two hours at Pleasant Grove High Thursday, and had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Jackson about a number of topics. 

Lance Jackson Q & A

Gerry Hamilton: What was it that led you to pick Texas?

Lance Jackson: “I’ve always liked Austin, even when I went there during my brothers (Landon Jackson) recruitment. So that was a good reason. And I’ve known PK (Pete Kwiatkowski) since Landon was getting recruited. He’s a good dude, and I feel like he is real. He won’t be fake to you, so he’s probably one of the realist coaches.”

Hamilton: What position did PK specifically tell you they were recruiting you to play?

Jackson: “I don’t want to be wrong on that, but it’s the one that doesn’t drop as much.”

Hamilton: What was it Coach Sarkisian and PK told you they like about your game?

Jackson: “I’m big and athletic. I can play either side of the ball, and I can move well.”

Hamilton: Do you prefer one side of the ball? 

Jackson: “It’s just whatever. If I got there and they told me to play tight end, I would be fine with it. It’s whatever they need me to do.”

Hamilton: Is it UT, Austin and everything that appeals to you?

Jackson: “Yes sir. I love everything about it. There is nothing I don’t like about it.

Hamilton: Are you in touch with any of the guys committed to Texas?

Jackson: “Yes sir. A lot of them follow me on instagram. K.J. Lacey.” 

Hamilton: What is next for you in football?

Jackson: “I’m not so much focused on me right now. I mean, I have personal goals, but my main goal is to win a State Championship for my team. We are a young team this year and I haven’t won one yet, so it would be a cool thing to do. My personal goals aren’t really needed. But I want 15 sacks and over 700 yards receiving.”

Hamilton: What are your goals this spring in baseball?

Jackson: “Also with baseball, my goals are to win a State Championship because we are highly favored to do that this year. And then my personal goal, is to hit 97 and have good command.”

Hamilton: Do you plan to graduate in December of 2024, or stay for baseball?

Jackson: “I’m kind of still deciding. Depends on how the season goes this year, and summer ball. I want to graduate early. That’s kind of what’s on my mind right now, but that could change.” 

Hamilton: Have you talked to Coach Sarkisian about the baseball possibility in college?

Jackson: “Yes. They told me they were totally fine with playing baseball at Texas if I want to. They said they would work it all out for me.”

Hamilton: Have you had any interaction with the baseball staff at Texas? 

Jackson: “Not really as of yet. They follow me on social media and stuff, but we haven’t talked yet.”

Hamilton: Guys like you can end up facing a tough decision between football and the MLB Draft possibilities. What are your early thoughts on that?

Jackson: “I’m kind of just laying back on it right now because I was injured last year and didn’t get to play summer ball. That’s one of your most important years. After this summer, I will probably know more because I will get to play some of the bigger tournaments. So I just don’t know right now.” 

Hamilton: When you were growing up, did you envisions yourself with a football helmet or baseball cap on?

Jackson: “When I was growing up, I was baseball.  I feel like it was what my dad worked with me more on. Landon or I wasn’t really football players (first). Landon was basketball. I just grew up loving baseball. That was my thing. Then in middle school I started getting noticed for football, and kind of molded me.”

Hamilton: What did you learn about the recruiting process watching Landon go through it?

Jackson: “I’ve kind of learned to notice fakeness. I know certain things - the talk a lot vs realness.”

Hamilton: Who did you actually choose Texas over? Who was No. 2 and who was No. 3?

Jackson: “Arkansas and Tennessee.”

Hamilton: Watching Texas this year, what were your thoughts?

Jackson: “I like how they rotate a lot. I mean they get everybody in there playing. All defensive linemen change a lot, and I like that.”

Hamilton: Did Texas moving to the SEC impact your recruitment?

Jackson: “Probably not Texas because it’s Texas, but I have always known I wanted to play in the SEC. Maybe a little bit.”

Hamilton: What is more difficult, baseball or football?

Jackson: “I would probably say baseball because it’s a little more mental. It’s not as physically hard as football, but it’s more difficult mentally.”

Hamilton: What is your favorite part about being a pitcher?

Jackson: “I just like throwing hard, and it’s mental like I said. So it helps you work on the mental part in football too. Baseball relaxes me. I just love being out there.”

Hamilton: What are you working on from a defensive EDGE position headed into your senior season? 

Jackson: “I can probably improve on my moves (pass rush), and be more fluid. Right now I’m just trying to use my strength and speed. Being more fluid in my moves.”