Tristan Jernigan is a 6’2″ 220 pound linebacker at Tupelo High School in Tupelo, Mississippi. Jernigan is one of the top linebackers in the state, excelling in decision making, tackling, and speed. He is outstanding at reading the quarterback, which allows Tristan to find the football early in the play. Currently, Tristan is being recruited by top power 5 schools including: Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, etc. This exciting athlete is in the class of 2024, and will have one more season at the top of Mississippi high school football. I had the chance to speak with Tristan earlier about his young career thus far:
Q: When did you begin playing football?
I started playing football when I was about eight years old. I fell in love with the game and have been playing ever since.
Q: What is your favorite thing about playing linebacker?
I get to hit people in the mouth.
Q: What is one of the challenging aspects of playing middle linebacker?
Essentially, when you play middle linebacker you have to be the quarterback of the defense. You have to make sure everyone knows what they are doing before the play starts.
Q: Is there a player at the collegiate or professional level that you look up to at your position and why?
Fred Warner, He is just like me. He is a fast linebacker who can keep up with wide receivers when necessary but is also one of the hardest hitters in the league.
Q: What are some of your strengths that will make you an impact athlete at the next level?
My speed and I am very aggressive when I get to the ball. I play 100 percent every play and do not let up.
Q: How would your teammates describe you?
Really, they would describe me as funny, a leader and captain on this team. I am out there at practice everyday, energized and happy to be there. If you aren’t out there to have fun then why are you doing it?
Q: What are you looking forward to this upcoming season, any specific goals for yourself?
I do not have any specific goals for myself. I want to win the state championship with this team. We were close last season and we believe we have the tools to get back to the playoffs.
Tristan Jernigan is a player who has fun every moment he is on the field. He enjoys practicing and competing everyday, and does not plan on slowing down anytime soon. This Top 300 athlete is elite at reading the quarterback, allowing him to make quick decisions most of the time resulting in Jernigan making a tackle in the backfield. His speed and pursuit is among the best at the position as he is able to defend wide receivers when necessary. Tristan will be playing for the powerhouse Tupelo High School for one more season, coming out in 2024.
“Keep god First.”
Tristan Jernigan
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