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, and being humble.

"The journey of being a high school football player is challenging and sometimes stressful," Jaylin says. "But, at the end of the day, you're trying to make it to the next level.”

The Visionary Boss: What makes you love football?

Jaylin: "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."

The Visionary Boss: Did you play any other sports at Cambridge?

Jaylin: "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.”

The Visionary Boss: How have you managed sports along with school?

Jaylin: "I just do things ahead of time, so I can have free time to get better at football and help others."

The Visionary Boss: What is one word others would use to describe you?

Jaylin: "A lion, because I'm fearless, and would not back down from anyone."

The Visionary Boss: Do you ever feel like you're in competition with others?

Jaylin: "Yes, all the time. "People hate on me, because I'm doing good. They think they're competition, but they're just fuel to my fire. I’ve accepted the fact that I’m a winner, and I’m surrounded by winners. My 7v7 team took winning regionals personal. We wanted to win, so we worked hard, and our goal was accomplished."

The Visionary Boss: What is the best thing about playing for Cambridge?

Jaylin: "It has made me become more responsible, accountable and disciplined, on and off the field."

The Visionary Boss: 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?  

Jaylin: "I see myself on someone's campus playing football for their program. Kentucky, Colorado State, Troy, Georgia State. I'm still thinking, I'm not sure what school I want to play for."

The Visionary Boss: As you enter your last year in high school this Fall, what is one thing you want to remember about yourself?

Jaylin: "I want to remember I'm a leader, and I am willing to help anyone who needs it."

The Visionary Boss: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Jaylin: "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."

The Visionary Boss: Would you call yourself a Youngin' Dreaming?

Jaylin: "Yes, I don't want my parents to work ever again.”