In a remarkable start to the 2026 season, Rafael "RJ" Jackson, the standout running back for East Peoria, has made headlines by breaking significant records in the school's football history. Entering the season, Jackson was on the verge of becoming the all-time leading rusher and career touchdown scorer for the Raiders, and he has now achieved both milestones. With an impressive total of 2,718 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns over four seasons, Jackson's contributions have been pivotal to the team's performance.
Jackson's journey to these records was not something he actively pursued. "I didn’t even know I was close to breaking any of the records," he stated, reflecting on his initial games where he amassed 448 yards and nine touchdowns from 46 carries. Growing up in East Peoria and playing football since junior football league (JFL), he expressed a surreal feeling about being the one to set these records. "It’s a surreal feeling knowing that I’m the one that broke the records," he added.
As the Raiders gear up for their Mid-Illini Conference schedule, Jackson is focused on leading his team to the playoffs. East Peoria has not qualified for the postseason since 2012 and has faced challenges in recent years, finishing with a 4-5 record in each of the last two seasons. With early projections suggesting that even teams with two wins could make the 384-team playoff field, Jackson is eager to secure a playoff appearance. "First playoff appearance would be great," he remarked, emphasizing his desire for a deep playoff run.
Jackson's commitment to improving his game is evident in his offseason training, where he has worked on enhancing his speed and strength. His 40-yard dash time has improved significantly, dropping from the high 4.7s to the low 4.6s, thanks to rigorous sprinting drills. Additionally, he is close to joining the 1,500-pound club, boasting impressive lifts of 325 pounds in the bench press, 480 pounds in the squat, and 580 pounds in the deadlift. "I got a lot stronger, a lot faster, and a lot more conditioned," Jackson explained, noting that his hard work has translated into improved performance on the field.
East Peoria's head coach, Sam Durley, has praised Jackson's work ethic and physical abilities, describing him as a "freak in the weight room". Durley acknowledged Jackson's durability and explosiveness, stating, "I don’t care how good of a defensive player you are, nobody is going to want to tackle him." Jackson's role in the offense has become increasingly crucial, and Durley has noted that Jackson is eager for every opportunity to contribute. "He wants every opportunity possible. He doesn’t want to come off the field," Durley said.
While Jackson excels as a running back, he has also contributed on defense as a linebacker during practice. However, Durley is cautious about risking injury to such a valuable player, opting to keep Jackson focused on his primary role. "He would be a more than willing and more than capable linebacker just with how powerful he is," Durley commented, but emphasized the importance of preserving Jackson's health for the season.
Looking ahead, Jackson has garnered interest from several Division-II college programs, including offers from McKendree University and Upper Iowa. Despite this attention, he remains patient about his college decision. "I know the value that I set myself at and I really don’t want to settle for anything less," he stated, confident that his hard work will continue to attract opportunities.
Regardless of where his football journey takes him, Jackson's impact on East Peoria will be lasting. Coach Durley remarked on the significance of Jackson's presence, stating, "He’s a big part of our school. It’s going to be really tough to replace him when he is gone." As the Raiders strive for success this season, Jackson's record-breaking achievements and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their pursuit of playoff glory.
Leave a Comment