The Recruiting Guy

Hog commit Koilan Jackson not surprised by dad's decision

Koilan and Kenyon Jackson.

Arkansas color analyst Keith Jackson announced on Monday his plans to step down from his duties on the Razorback Sports Network after the 2017 season to watch his two sons play college football.

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Koilan Jackson (age 8) and Kenyon Jackson (age 9).

Former Little Rock Parkview defensive lineman Kenyon Jackson is a freshman at Illinois while Koilan Jackson, is a senior receiver at Joe T. Robinson and an Arkansas commitment for the 2017 class.

“He said he’s taking this time to be a full-time dad,” Koilan said. “My brother is up in Illinois, and he wants to support him at his games as well. He’s already seen all the SEC schools, and he wants to go up there and see stadiums like Michigan and others that he hasn’t seen before. He’s a really great father, so that’s why he’s making the decision.”

The elder Jackson has been broadcasting Arkansas games since 2000 and was able to watch his oldest son, Keith Jr., play on the defensive line for the Hogs from 2003-2006.

Koilan and Robinson opened the season with an impressive 51-28 victory over Lakeside Monday evening at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. It was no surprise his father was in the stands to watch him.

“Throughout my whole life, he supported me through everything,” Koilan said. “He put us before everything else he did, and everything he did was for us, and now he’s making this decision for my brother who's up in Illinois.”

“He’s making a sacrifice by not working for the Razorbacks. He’s been working for them for so long, but because of his sons, he has to do what he has to do.”

Koilan caught 4 passes for 106 yards, 2 touchdowns and help convert three 2-point conversions in only one half of play. He also recorded a tackle at safety.

“I came out here and tried to do the best for the team, and my coaches decided to give me the ball and had to make the best of what I could on every play," Koilan said.

As a junior, Koilan played quarterback for Little Rock Parkview. He said there was no rust in playing receiver and safety.

“It felt like what I should’ve been doing for a long time,” Koilan said.

Koilan plans to attend Arkansas’ season-opening game against Louisiana Tech in Fayetteville on Saturday.

“The Hogs are going to come out on top,” Koilan said. “Woo Pig.”