Takeaways from the weekend

Football season is back. Week 1 got underway around the great state of Texzas this week and On3 National Recruiting Analyst Sam Spiegelman attended two marquee games around the state, including action featuring Kaleb Jackson, Kolaj Cobbins and Jai Eugene Jr.

Here are some takeaways from Week 2 in Louisiana:

Jackson primed to shake back

Four-star Baton Rouge (La.) Liberty Magnet running back Kaleb Jackson will be sidelined for six to eight weeks after suffering a fracture in his left ankle last week. Jackson, the Boot’s top back and an absolute bruiser between the tackles, should have a chance to return to action before the end of the regular season barring a setback. That should give him a chance to be at his best for a post-season run.

Last year, the talented LSU commitment has produced video game-like numbers as an underclassman, including 1,580 yards and more than 23 touchdowns as a junior. Jackson clocked multiple 10.8 100-meter times in the spring and boasts one of the highest floors and upside at the position in this 2023 cycle.

Cobbins has different gear

On300 junior EDGE Kolaj Cobbins came away with a pair of sacks facing a run-heavy Marrero (La.) John Ehret offense without its starting quarterback. Cobbins fires off the ball and has excellent speed to take away outside runs and patrol the perimeter, not to mention his closing speed. His first-step quickness resulted in a handful of quarterback hits and the pressure alone was noteworthy.

Cobbins plays with a different gear with length and is has all the tools to be a prolific disrupter off the edge against the run and as a pass-rusher. LSU holds a narrow lead on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

Tulane will have competition for Eugene Jr.

Talented three-star Destrehan (La.) athlete Jai Eugene Jr. plays quarterback at the high school level, but projects as a safety on Saturdays. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder is a smart decision-maker and has a strong feel for game situations, and made a handful of plays with his legs beating defenders around the edge and running through contact on occasion.

Eugene’s football intelligence, frame and what he’s shown as a defensive back in alternate evaluation settings make him one of the more intriguing defensive backs in Louisiana’s 2023 cycle. Tulane is going to have to fend off Power 5 schools for Eugene, who’ll be playing deep in the playoffs this fall and could cause a stir in the process.

Mack does it all

Top-100 junior defensive back Wardell Mack was all over Ehret’s depth chart on Friday as the starting quarterback as well as a starter in the secondary. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder was dynamic toting the rock when there were lanes. Mack boasts elite speed to the outside and was exceptional keeping defenders off-base in space.

Defensively, Mack shifted back and forth between field corner and high safety. He was targeted once in coverage and made a handful of wrap-ups on stops underneath. His upside and ability to step into big shoes so frequently is noteworthy. LSU is leading on the RPM, but Mack sported Alabama gloves on Friday.

Additional notes

• Two Destrehan DL that were stout in the middle were 2023 tackle Amare Johnson and 2024 tackle Jairin McCall. Both are 6-foot-3 and 280-plus pounds. They were active stuffing the run and generating pressure up the gut, and McCall moves well in that frame.
• 2024 Ehret WR Charles Coleman (6-foot-1, 170 pounds) made the most of opportunities as a return specialist and on a few designed screen passes to get the dynamic pass-catcher the rock. He’s explosive and can accelerate in a hurry.
• 2024 Ehret OL Khayree Lee continues to impress as a powerful, agile offensive lineman playing left tackle for the Patriots. Lee, who is down to 300-something-pounds, bends well and plays big with several knockdowns under his belt, especially with a running QB behind center.
• 2024 Destrehan DB Anthony Robinson is a dart to the football and is constantly in the line of fire. After seamlessly housing an interception Week 1, Robinson was all over the field collecting tackles.
• 2024 Ehret DB Armani Cargo plays both sides of the ball and has speed and size projecting at cornerback. Cargo (6-foot, 170 pounds), posted 10.5-second 100-meter and 22.35-second 200-meter times over the spring. He not only has speed, but was solid in coverage and a willing tackler.
• 2023 Destrehan DB Kevin Adams was the team’s top corner a year ago and is seeing increased action at safety and has a skill-set suited for the nickel. Adams clocked an 11.11 100-meter time in the spring and plays faster.
• I don’t often use the term “sleeper,” but Louisiana commit Daniel Blood has one of the highest floors at receiver in the state. At 6-foot and just shy of 190 pounds, Destrehan’s WR1 has outstanding hands, balance and the ability to make plays in the return game. Blood came away with touchdowns on contested catches and made plays all over the field. He’s someone we’ll be buzzing about at the end of the year.