Jackson Sets State Record

Clemson commitment Richard Jackson kicked one for the ages Friday night for Riverside High School. CUTigers.com has the details and the latest on his commitment to the Tigers in this recruiting update.

The 5-11, 185 pound prospect set a South Carolina record with a 64-yard field goal Friday night. CUTigers.com caught up with Jackson Sunday afternoon to get his thoughts on the big kick.

“It was near halftime. We were down by three points," said Jackson. "The drive stalled at the 47. The coach let me go out there and attempt a long one. He had told me earlier in the week that if we had a chance he would let me try some long ones. He wanted to make sure we got points.”

The kick, from a mind-boggling 64-yards away, was good.

“That was the biggest thing I’ve done on the field. I didn’t know at the time it was going to be a record. It was great to hear that afterwords,” Jackson said of the feat.

Of course, once he arrives at Clemson, Jackson has to adjust from kicking off on a tee, to just kicking off on the ground.

Jackson said he's not concerned with the transistion.

“We practice a good bit without a block. I don’t use the two-inch block. I use one of the smaller ones. There is not much difference between kicking off the ground and using the one-inch block. On the high school fields you never know what you will get," he said.

Jackson is also having a great season as a punter. “I am averaging about 45 yards punting this year. My season long is about 70 yards,” Jackson said.

When asked how firm his commitment with the Tigers is, Jackson responded, “It’s not going to change. I have told all the other coaches that there are two reasons I would think about changing my commitment. If the coaching staff was let go or if they were to go on probation. I don’t see either of those happening. I am going to Clemson.

“I am looking forward to a change in atmosphere. I want to get to a bigger stage. I am ready to get to the national stage," he added.

We will continue to keep you updated on this outstanding kicker from South Carolina, right up through signing day.