By Ean Goldstein ’23
Staff Writer
Junior WR AJ Jackson had a record-setting performance in a recent 79-0 Forester football victory over Grinnell. In just the first half, Jackson broke the Lake Forest record for both receiving yards (275) and receiving touchdowns (6) in a game. As a result, Jackson was named to the D3Football.com Team of the Week, the Midwest Conference Offensive Performer of the Week, and the Men’s Forester Athlete of the Week. Stentor staff talked to Jackson about the recent success of both himself and the team.
Stentor: Where are you from?
Jackson: I am from a city in Arizona called Peoria. Located in the West Valley, it’s a populated area and my school had about 2,000 kids.
Stentor: What’s your major?
Jackson: I am a philosophy major with hopes to go to law school and practice family/divorce/custody law. I wish to study this law because of personal experience.
Stentor: How long have you been playing football?
Jackson: I have played football since I was 4 years old. I initially started with flag football and shortly worked my way into tackle.
Stentor: What is your favorite part about playing for the football team?
Jackson: Football is my escape. Playing football, for me, has allowed me to truly express who I am in an environment where the consequences are relatively minimal. Simply put, playing football allows me to let go. There’s no stress or pressure in those 60 minutes, that is all that matters. My favorite part of playing specifically for Lake Forest is that the team is unified to achieve one goal. When 100+ guys can all get on the same page, that ultimately brings us closer together and enhances that family atmosphere that we work so hard to create and maintain.
Stentor: What was it like to break the Lake Forest record for receiving touchdowns and yards against Grinnell?
Jackson: Honestly, until the half was almost over, I did not know I broke the record. When I play, I don’t focus on myself or am not necessarily keeping count. Everyone around me seemed to be smiling a little harder than usual, so I assumed something good had happened. It felt good in the sense that I was adding to my legacy outside of a returner though. I wasn’t setting out to break any record in a particular fashion. The mindset for me is always to just play my game.
Stentor: What has been the key to your team’s success this season?
Jackson: We as a team do not take any team lightly. Regardless of who we are playing, we go out and try to play our best game. We still treat practice just as important throughout the week. We spend just as much time game planning and watching film. There is never a doubt in our mind that when we go out and play our best possible game, we will get what we want.
Stentor: Do you like returning punts and kicks or catching passes better?
Jackson: Returning punts and kicks is easily my favorite thing to do in football. The freedom and great impact potential of special teams in football has always been fascinating to me. To be able to shift the momentum in the game with just one play gives me a feeling of power and impact. Also, with the work that I put into being successful on special teams, when other teams decide not to give me opportunities, it makes me feel respected. Plus, I impact the game without touching the ball.
Stentor: Do you have a pregame ritual or pregame meal?
Jackson: My main pregame ritual, although simple, takes place the day before a game. I usually get all my nervous energy out the day before so that I play relaxed and calm. Playing on edge allows me to overthink and takes me out of my better game mindset. On game day, my ritual takes place on the field. I have a short prayer at the goal line and thank God for taking care of my grandpa up there.
Stentor: How does it feel to have the crowd cheering you as you score a touchdown?
Jackson: Honestly, I notice a lot less of the crowd and much more of my team’s reaction. The support we have for each other is truly special and I know they go crazy for me when I score. Walking back down the sideline to the high fives and celebrations is what makes the touchdown special. The stands could be empty, and I would feel just as good scoring a touchdown with only my team there for me.
