Johnterrius Jackson is a standout lineman who attends Baskin School in Baskin, Louisiana. At 6’0 and 185 lbs, he is already very developed for most kids his age. He displays amazing footwork along with brute strength that allows him to get off a block almost instantly. He stood out during the 2023 Gridiron Football All- American Bowl for Junior High with 2 tackles and a fumble reception. Johnterrius is a very humble young man, attributing his success to the support he receives around him. He stated that he would not be where he is today without his parents, siblings, grandparents, and aunt. Johnterrius had an amazing season playing on the defensive line, averaging 12 tackles and 2 sacks a game. Any coach would be lucky to have a young man, and athlete, like Johnterrius.
Why do you love the game of football?
I love the game of football because it reminds me of life. Sometimes you fall down but you have to get back up, sometimes you can’t get back up on your own and need somebody else to help lift you up. You can take all the hard hits, but you always have to push yourself to stand up and be better at what you do.
Which side of the ball do you enjoy playing on the most?
I enjoy playing defense more. No matter the sport I play, people have always told me I am better at defense. It’s easier for me to see the progress I am making from practice and putting in work at home. It’s like school, every day you come in and have to try your best. Sometimes you may not get the grade you want on a test, but you have to come back to school, and you might get a better score on the next one. That’s what defense feels like to me.
What college or NFL players have been an inspiration to you?
I have two specific players. Keyshawn Johnson is one of them, mainly because I am named after him. The more I grow up, the more I realize and learn how great of a player he was. Ray Lewis has been another inspiration to me.
What challenges have you overcome in your life and how did you get past them?
I had to overcome people trying to pull me down. I was always told I wouldn’t make it or I wasn’t good enough to do something. It motivated me to become better. I felt like they were trying to pull me down, so I used that as a motivator to get better at what I do.
How have your coaches impacted your life on and off the field?
My coaches are amazing. They taught me things about being a young man along with everything on the field. They showed me the steps, some coaches only show you some steps in football and none in life. They show me how I am supposed to do it, even if I mess up sometimes. They tell me to absorb that and use it to do better the next time.
What is the most challenging part about playing on the line?
I feel like footwork is. You have to get that right before you can do anything. If you don’t have the right footwork, you can slip and fall easily.
What is your dream college to play football at?
Either LSU or Texas Tech University.
What do you enjoy doing outside of football?
I enjoy playing basketball and working out. I spend a lot of time with my family and pray to God.
What did playing in the 2023 Gridiron Football All- American Bowl Game for Junior High mean to you?
It was a great opportunity for me. It helped me get my name out there and make my family proud. Most importantly I made myself proud. You can make everyone else proud, but you need to make yourself proud in order for you to know that you are doing what you always wanted to do.
What is your biggest accomplishment off of the field?
I would say gaining the Holy Ghost, playing basketball, and pushing myself to a farther limit in school.
Do you have any pre game rituals?
I pray before any game. It could be football, basketball, or baseball but I have to pray. I also listen to music and stretch on my own before I stretch with the team.
What about your game stands out?
I am a team player. If someone is running along the sideline and I know my teammate can get him, I let him make the tackle.
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