Texas commit Lance Jackson wants to ‘leave a legacy’ in Austin
TEXARKANA, Texas (BVM) – Arkansas Razorbacks edge rusher Landon Jackson was a coveted recruit in the Class of 2021 and was viewed as one of the top high school football players in Texas. He had all the top schools after him on the recruiting trail and ultimately wound up at LSU before transferring to Fayetteville after one season.
As Jackson navigated the world of being a top prospect, his little brother Lance was able to watch. He saw what the process was like and was even able to build relationships with coaches despite being four years younger than Landon.
“That’s what really brought me to football,” Lance said. “Him getting all of those offers and seeing all the stuff he was going through.”
Fast forward to the present, and Lance is one of the top prep football players in the entire country. The Pleasant Grove High School standout in Texarkana, Texas, is the No. 13 player in the Class of 2025 according to On3 and the No. 2 edge rusher in the nation.
Texas Longhorns commit & Texarkana Pleasant Grove EDGE @lancejackson40 tremendous on SR tape. 6-6, 265 with quickness, COD, playing strength & a terrific motor. #HookEm @ontexasfootball pic.twitter.com/pisQKLIedj
— Gerry Hamilton (@GHamiltonOTF) September 10, 2024
Jackson had 69 tackles, 7 ½ tackles for loss and three forced fumbles as a junior while also playing tight end. That type of production put him on the map for some, but a lot of coaches were already familiar with the younger Jackson.
2025 Top247 DL/TE Lance Jackson gets Pleasant Grove on the board first pic.twitter.com/ImfbwgwqNo
— Mike Roach (@MikeRoach247) November 17, 2023
He had already picked up college offers from Arkansas, Baylor and UTSA before playing a snap of high school football.
A player who is that young could easily rush into a decision, but Jackson took his time with the process, committing to the University of Texas in January 2024.
Committed to The University of Texas🤘🏽🟠@Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/RGYnHifWMg
— Lance Jackson (@lancejackson40) January 21, 2024
“I’ve got family that loves Texas, so I’ve always been kind of around it,” Jackson said. “I love the city of Austin. It’s the greatest place to be. There are a bunch of opportunities in Austin.”
Jackson also has a great relationship with the Longhorns’ coaching staff, most notably defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. He had recruited Landon when he was with the Washington Huskies, so there was a foundation already set with the Jackson family.
Athletics were always a big focal point in the household with Lance’s father having played basketball at Texas A&M and his mother who played volleyball at McNeese State. Now Lance relies on them and his brother to become the best player he can be.
Landon, who was named first-team All-SEC in 2023, has been a big help for Lance as he prepares to join the conference next season.
“He helps me out a bunch,” Lance said. “I get to see him go through something that I’m fixing to do and he’s doing it right before me. I got to see what he did in high school right before I went and now I get to see what he’s doing in college. He can give me advice on anything I need and I’ll also know what to expect when I get to college and play football.”
Head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns are not only getting a premier pass rusher in Lance, but they are also getting someone who could be a legitimate leader on their defense in the coming years.
Jackson has excellent leadership qualities already even though he is just a high school senior.
“I feel like our purpose is to make other people better too,” Jackson said. “Making my teammates better, makes me better. If I can encourage my defensive backs to play harder, it helps me get sacks. It helps our whole team.”
Jackson has his eyes set on winning a state title at Pleasant Grove, but he also has big plans for when he gets to Austin. Landon is one of the top defensive players in the SEC and Lance is capable of being just as good.
“I just want to be a leader,” Lance said. “I want to leave a legacy at Texas and leave a name that everyone remembers.”