Jackson Askins, Valencia may be Southern Section's most dangerous player, team in Division 2 playoffs

A classic late-bloomer, the first-year starting quarterback gets to practice early, hoping to lead the 9-1 Vikings to a deep postseason run and perhaps a D1 college offer

When no receivers break free or the pocket begins to break down, Valencia High School quarterback Jackson Askins doesn't panic. He stays patient and poised. He’s been through too much.

“A lot of kids have a natural tendency to run away from the pocket, but he's learned to stay in, or to take off running vertically,” Valencia coach Larry Muir said. “He's got enough speed and athleticism to get to the edge. He's not going to shy away or slow down.

“He’s an unbelievable competitor."

The 6-foot-4½, 190-pound senior is a natural leader without having to yell or scream. He’s the first out to practice, organizing and rooting on the scout team.

From the bottom to top these Vikings have followed. It’s a big reason why they went 9-1 in the regular season, won the Foothill League title at 6-0 and earned a spot in the CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoffs.

Another big reason is Askins’ play on the field. As a first-year starter, he’s completed 70 percent of his passes (113 of 162) for 1,781 yards, 17 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also ranks second on the team with 254 yards rushing and five more scores.

The Vikings travel to Trinity League power Servite on Friday.

A season-ending injury to his junior season gave Jackson Askins "a chip on my shoulder," to prove himself in 2023.  / Jeff Graham

“He’s a great kid from a great family,” Muir said. “He (picks up information) like a sponge.”

His good character, analytical brain and competitive nature was tested learning the position as a freshman and sophomore. Just when he was ready to compete for the varsity starting job as a junior, he endured a season-ending injury.

Easy to root for

Not only did he have to watch a mediocre 5-6 season in 2022, but any chance of college coaches taking notice of his big arm, big size and excellent mobility were dashed. He's yet to secure a Division I college offer. 

Like his pocket presence, Askins hasn't pouted or panicked. Instead he fueled his pent-up energy with extra work and added determination.

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It wasn’t easy.

"It was hard not being able to contribute,” Askins said. “That gave me a chip on my shoulder, something to prove going into my senior year. To myself and everyone around me that I can be the player I am now.”

It makes him easy to root for and, considering there were so many heralded Southland quarterbacks heading into the 2023 season, one of the Southern Section’s best-kept secrets.

It also makes the Vikings a dangerous team in the absolutely stacked Division 2 field.

Valencia didn’t get much love in the seedings. If it gets past battle-tested Servite, it will likely then face second-seed Long Beach Poly on the road.

But Askins is the perfect player to lead the Vikings up a deep and challenging playoff path.

He leads them every day at practice. He leads a balanced offense that averages nearly 350 yards per game and that has scored between 37-48 points in its last six games since a 22-20 loss to Division 2 top seed Rancho Cucamonga.

Clearly, the Vikings can play with the big boys.

Poster player

"He just knows what needs to get done and is going to lead the charge in getting it done right away,” Muir said. “His teammates have so much respect for him and they jump on board. He will do that every single day, and it's awesome. It makes you feel extra good about his success.

“He had to really work at it, but now he’s really made himself a terrific quarterback.”

Muir said he could envision high-level college programs pouncing on his star quarterback sooner than later if he can get on their radars.

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That’s not easy considering it’s harder than ever for late bloomers to get recruited by four-year programs in a post-COVID recruiting landscape.

"The problem for guys like him is the transfer portal. It's hurting kids who develop late," Muir said. “If you're not that kid who's at the top early (in high school), those are the ones getting hurt the most. It's even harder as a quarterback. But, I still think Jackson can get recruited."

For now, Askins is laser focused on setting the tone for the Vikings during the playoffs. If that occurs, the recruiting will likely follow.

No matter what, the Vikings have had a banner season and Askins has been their poster player.

"I think Jackson is the prime example of what our program and team is about," Muir said. “He's a self-made guy. He put himself in position to have this success by doing all the work on a daily basis. That's what drives him and this senior class. They're a special group, and Jackson's right in the middle of that.

“Honestly, it's been a pleasure to be along for the ride."

– Lance Smith | lance@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveca