2020 South Warren (Ky.) OL Colt Jackson committed to play at WKU in June. Fast forward five months later, and Jackson’s South Warren Spartans just wrapped up the regular season with a 9-1 record and should compete for another state championship.

With the playoffs starting this week, InsideHilltopperSports.com caught up with South Warren (Ky.) head coach Brandon Smith about Jackson’s development and what the two star tackle brings to the hill.

How has Colt handled your expectations for him this season?

Brandon Smith: “Colt made as much progress from his junior year to his senior year as anybody I’ve ever coach.It’s amazing. As a junior, I thought he could be a college football player, but I wasn’t sure of where or at what level. This senior year, with the offseason he had, the strength he added, and the way he’s played, he looks like a Division 1 player. He’s played like a Division 1 player. He’s been the best offensive lineman in every game we’ve played.”

How has Colt progressed since you started working with him?

Smith: “He came in as a freshman as a lanky, uncoordinated, tall kid that was probably like 200 pounds. To see what he is now and the level that he’s playing at is, really, kind of hard to even imagine.”

Would you say he still has room to develop physically at the next level?

Smith: “Absolutely. He’s a super young kid, which is bad for us but good for WKU. He just turned 17, and he won’t be 18 until after his senior year. With his potential, matched with his work ethic and commitment, I think he’ll have a really nice career.

How would you describe his leadership style?

Smith: He’s definitely a lead by example guy. He’s never been real vocal. He’s actually a really intelligent kid, makes really good grades. He’s really intelligent on the football field, but he’s not one for speaking much. You’re not going to get much out of him.”

Are there any areas you’re still looking for him to grow in?

Smith: “He’s still a young player, and he’s still a little raw. His technique has made a lot of progress, but the pass rush is different at the next level. He does a really nice job, and he does a good job in the pass game in high school. But it’s different, college is different. I think he’ll probably move inside and be a guard because he’s not 6’5, but he’s definitely still learning.”

What does Colt Jackson bring to Western Kentucky?

Smith: "We’ve had a lot of FCS and FBS guys, but the thing I think makes guys stick and have success at the next level is if they can work at a Division 1 player. It’s different. It’s different from high school, the commitment is different, the bring it everyday mentality. And Colt brings that. I’m really confident that he’s going to have success, because he’s always going to put it in. He’s self motivated, and those guys have success. That’s what he has.”