Joshua Jackson talks VaTech, Russell Wilson comparison

Joshua Jackson is a 2016 quarterback commit for the Virginia Tech Hokies and there are high expectations for him already. He is currently graded as a four-star prospect by ESPN and there is no denying the potential that Jackson has to become a star in Blacksburg.

At 6-foot-1 and 203 pounds, Jackson is one of the more athletic quarterbacks in the 2016 recruiting class. He is one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, which will fit into what Hokies’ head coach Frank Beamer likes to do. Virginia Tech has had some issues at the quarterback this season and — with Michael Brewer graduating this season — there is a good chance that Jackson could compete for playing time early on in his career.

This season as a senior at Saline High School in Saline, Michigan, Jackson has completed 58 of his 91 passing attempts for 805 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed for 218 yards and three touchdowns on 41 attempts.

Those numbers prove why the Hokies have so much hope that he can become the long-term option as the starting quarterback for their program.

Jackson recently spoke with Campus Sports as he looks to take the next step in his football career with the Hokies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaWXNfTHJRQ

First up on the list of questions was figuring out why Jackson decided to commit to Virginia Tech.

“I felt very comfortable there and I’ve known coach Loeffler (Virginia Tech offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach) all my life, so that helped a lot in the decision making,” he noted.

Jackson went on to talk about what he brings to the field and what kind of person he is away from the game as well.

“I’m a dual-threat quarterback, but I focus more on throwing,” Jackson said. “I’m very relaxed and like to play like Russell Wilson and have fire like Tom Brady. Then as a person, I’m a laid back guy that just focuses on athletics, academics, friends and family.”

Virginia Tech wants to get back to being a legitimate championship contenders in the ACC once again and Jackson discussed why he believes he can be the guy to lead them back to that level.

“I think I bring the ability to change the recent struggles and I’m a good leader, but I’d say they will be pretty good this year and hopefully in the talk for a championship,” the recruit added

Comparing his game to a current NFL superstar was fairly easy for Jackson and the Hokies and their fans certainly hope that he can live up to this comparison.

“Russell Wilson,” Jackson said. “He’s an accurate passer that can use his legs and also how he approaches the game. I feel we do the same things by always being prepared.”

Next up was asking Jackson about what his goals for his career are with the Hokies when he joins the team next year.

“Well, I am graduating early so that I can start as a freshman, that is my goal,” Jackson said. “I haven’t been around there too much so goal wise I’m not sure, but I definitely want to win an ACC championship and beat the Virginia Cavaliers each and every year.”

That quote should get a great reaction from the Hokies’ fan base, as the rivalry with Virginia is a bitter one. Jackson also talked about his background in football and his dad, who coached in Division I football for 34 years.

“I learned how to throw a football when I was two years old and started playing tackle in fifth,” he said. “I’m not sure when I knew I had the talent to play D1 football, but I’ve always wanted to play because my dad was a D1 coach for 34 years.”

Wrapping up the interview, Jackson sent out a message to all the Hokie faithful who are ready for him to come in and compete for the starting quarterback job: “I’m looking forward to playing for coach Beamer and getting the chance to run out of Lane Stadium!”

Make sure to follow Jackson over the next year if you’re a Virginia Tech fan and take a look at who your next star quarterback could end up being.

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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Kentucky’s incredible new recruiting room
Photos: Kentucky’s incredible new recruiting room