Rising Star: TE/DE Michael Jackson Jr., McKinley Middle (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

Standing at 6’3″ and 211 pounds, Michael Jackson Jr. is a tight end and defensive end for McKinley Middle School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In our Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game this past December, Jackson Jr. played for Team South and caught a pass for a team-high 24 yards. Earlier this week, I had the good fortune of speaking with Michael.

Q: Why do you play the game of football?

“I play because it’s entertaining and fun to play.”

Q: Where do you see football going in your life?

“I see myself making it to the NFL and playing about ten years there.”

Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through playing football?

“Responsibilities and how to be a man on and off the field. I learned [the latter] by practicing on the field and we always had to call [our coach] coach and sir.”

Q: What does football mean to you?

“A great loving sport that I really like to play and make it to. It’s my favorite sport to play.”

Q: What challenges have you overcome while playing football?

“I broke my ankle and I had to come back the next season, ready to play. We ended up winning the championship [the next year].”

Q: What motivated you to overcome those challenges?

“When we almost lost the championship that year, I had to come back. I had to push harder in the lab, and I had to work [specifically] on my ankle more so it could heal faster.”

Q: How do you balance sports with your other responsibilities in life?

“I do my work, I pray, I take care of my responsibilities in my house, and always show respect to my parents.”

Q: Do you have a favorite football memory?

“When I was on a different team and I caught a pass in the end zone, and I scored. We still lost that game [but it still remains as a highlight for me].”

Q: How do you stay trained and in football-shape during the off-season?

“I play basketball, and this year I’m running track. I also stay in the gym.”

Q: How are you looking to improve?

“I’m trying to get faster. I’m getting with a personal trainer [and doing that].”

Q: On the other hand, what do you think is your biggest strength?

“My power, instinct, and knowledge of the game of football.”

Q: What are some goals you’ve set for yourself for your future?

“My goal is to win the championship and win MVP… again. And to have over 20 tackles.”

Q: Do you try to model your game after any players, pro or collegiate?

“I really try to model myself after Aaron Donald and Travis Kelce. Donald was fast off-the-ball, and he knew where to go and how to get in the backfield. Kelce is a good blocker and [always knew] how to get the ball, run his routes, and find a way to get open.”

Q: What is an interesting fact about you that the readers should know about you?

“I’m a helping person. I like to help others when they need it.”

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