Although Airline High School out of Bossier City, La. may be known more around the state of Louisiana for its high-octane passing attack, running back Tre’von Jackson has been one of its most important players the last three seasons.
This season, Jackson has 70 carries for 500 yards and six touchdowns while also having 53 receptions for 659 yards and eight touchdowns. Last season, he had 117 carries for 473 yards and 13 touchdowns along with 46 receptions for 518 yards and six touchdowns. If you think he’s done it all, think again as he has thrown three touchdown passes in his career, including a 72-yard touchdown pass this season.
Jackson is a big-time player who makes big-time plays in big-time games. He returned an 85-yard kick return for a touchdown on a reverse in Airlines’s 48-44 victory over Union Parish.
“That play has been my favorite memory playing football so far,” Jackson said. “That 85-yard trick play was huge.”
As a running back, he has great vision and is tough to tackle due to his shifty running style. The one thing that stands out about Jackson isn’t his running or pass-catching abilities but rather his blocking. Jackson is a great pass blocker and from watching his highlight tape, is a pancake machine.
“I give it my all and don’t stop,” Jackson said. “You have to fully cover me and pull me down to make me stop. I will run you over or stiff arm you to clear out my path to get to the endzone.”
If you look at the way Jackson plays, he would remind you of New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, who is one of the best running backs in the NFL in both running the football as well as being a receiver out of the backfield. Despite this comparison, Jackson says he molds his game after a different running back, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, who is another great versatile back similar to Jackson.
“Tre is the definition of a Swiss army knife,” Airline head coach Justin Scogin said. “Tre can play running back, fullback slot receiver and even tight end if we put him there. He is always willing to do what’s best for the team.”
Jackson’s versatility was a huge reason why he was offered a chance to play in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl in Baton Rouge on Dec. 30. He will have a chance to compete with the best of the best not only from Louisiana but nationwide.
Jackson started football at age five but he wasn’t because he wanted to, because his mom and grandfather thought he needed to.
“I had a bully and my mom and grandpa put me in football to help me get my anger out,” Jackson said.
Despite being primarily used as a running back throughout his high school career, his usage as a receiver can also make colleges use him as a slot receiver as well.
“I’ve been told I look good in a slot position,” Jackson said. “Whereever they put me, I’m going to work! Run, pass, catch or block, I’m working!”
Jackson credits Scogins for his development as a player as well as a person.
“He has made me become a better young man and encouraged me to reach my goals,” Jackson said. “Coach Scogins and Coach (Frank) Wade have believed in me and have been there for me. They always have words of encouragement for me to keep pushing.”
After having a first-round bye in the extremely tough LHSAA Division I Non-Select Playoffs, his team will take on the 13th-seeded Southside High School in what should be a great game. In Jackson’s sophomore year, Airline finished with a 1-9 record. Ever since Scogins took over as the head coach in 2022, they had a 16-5 record, including a 9-1 record this season and a chance to win the school’s first state title since 1967.
“We’re happy to be in the position we’re in,” Jackson said. “Doing it with the guys you love is exciting and fun.”
When Jackson’s playing career wrapping up after this season, there’s only two things he wants to be remembered for.
“I want to be remembered for being a warrior and a positive role model,” Jackson said.
