Hitting The Jackpot: Jaylin Jackson
Meet Jaylin Jackson,
The dual-threat quarterback who plays for Tampa’s Cambridge-Christian’s varsity football team. He’s #2 on the team, but #1 in the game.
Weighing 160 pounds, and standing at 5’9, Jaylin is fast, fierce and fearless.
Jaylin and I got candid, and discussed his football plans for college, D1 offers, competition, being humble + more.
"The journey of being a high school football players is challenging and sometimes stressful," Jaylin says. "But, at the end of the day, you're trying to make it to the next level," he reassures me.
Visionary Boss: What makes you love football?
Jaylin smiles. "I love being in the hot sun for 10 hours a week, to playing on Friday nights with the brothers I've been blessed with, who are on the team."
Did you play any other sports at Cambridge?
"I played basketball. It was good. I gave my team lots of energy, but I prefer football. It's great and competitive. Basketball [in Florida] is on the rise, but you're not going to get 5,000 people at a game," Jaylin notes.
How have you managed sports along with school?
"[I just do things ahead of time], so I can have free time to get better at football and help others."
What is one word others would use to describe you?
"A lion, because I'm fearless, and would not back down from anyone."
Do you ever feel like you're in competition with others?
"Yes, all the time," Jaylin answers. "People hate on me, because I'm doing good. They think they're competition, but they're just fuel to my fire."
At only fifteen years old, Jaylin went to states with his team, and this past year his team was #1 in the Southeast region.
“[I’ve accepted] the fact that I’m a winner, and I’m surrounded by winners.”
Jaylin, describe the process and feeling of accomplishing something with your team.
"My 7v7 team took [winning regionals] personal. [We] wanted to win, so [we] worked hard, and our goal was accomplished."
Jaylin says he's surrounded by Godly people who want to see each other succeed.
What is the best thing about playing for Cambridge?
"It has made me become more responsible, accountable and disciplined, on and off the field."
Having long term goals is essential for anyone’s focus, but having short term goals retains discipline. Where do you see yourself a year from now?
"I see myself on someone's campus playing football for their program. Kentucky, Colorado State, Troy, Georgia State, the Air Force, Navy and Army [have given me offers]. I'm still thinking, I'm not sure what school I want to play for."
As you enter your last year in high school this Fall, what is one thing you want to remember about yourself?
"I want to remember I'm a leader, and I am willing to help anyone who needs it."
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
"In the league, I hope. If that does not work out I'm going to own a physical therapy facility, with the best of the best equipment."
Would you call yourself a Youngin' Dreaming?
"Yes, I don't want my parents to work ever again," Jaylin tells me.
