Prospect Spotlight: Darryl Jackson (2020)
If there’s one thing that Darryl Jackson learned as a freshman on the Cajon high school varsity team last season, it was how to lockdown on the defensive end.
“It went good,” he said of his freshman campaign. “I learned how to play a lot of defense because our coaches main focus was playing defense to win games.”
The Cowboys won plenty of games in the 2016-17 season, finishing with a 23-6 record and advancing to the quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section Division 2AA playoffs.
Class of 2020 point guard Darryl Jackson is focused on consistent progress heading into his sophomore season.Jackson, who is one of the more naturally gifted prospects in his class, saw plenty of time on the floor as a freshman and learned a lot about what it takes to be a varsity point guard and contributor from mentors and teammates Jeremiah Martin, Deshawn Washington and Jarred Hyder.
“I’ve worked on my shooting, passing and being poised,” he said of what he needs to do to take his game to the next level. “I need to show more leadership and be more vocal.
“I’ve been training and working on my game a lot,” Jackson added. “Last year I didn’t really progress, so I have to keep working.”
That progress has been evident on the spring and summer circuits as the 6-foot-1 Jackson has helped lead a talented Compton Magic 15u squad to numerous victories and has separated himself as a top player in the class in various showcase events.
“My biggest strengths are getting to the basket and playing defense,” he said. “Improving my jump shot and leadership will help with my progression as a point guard.”
While it’s still very early in his high school career and overall development, Jackson has two things in mind that he’s looking for in a potential college when his time comes.
“I’ll be looking for a school with great tradition and one that can help me get to the next level,” he said.