Athlete of the Week: Jason Fineberg

The Out-of-Door Academy eighth-grader Jason Fineberg rushed for 167 yards on 15 carries and scored a 1-yard touchdown as time expired in the Thunder’s 17-13 loss to St. Petersburg Northside Christian in its Spring Game May 17.

Fineberg also intercepted a Northside Christian pass on its opening possession and ran it back 28 yards to set up ODA’s first touchdown of the game.

This was the first time I played on varsity. I was a little nervous at first, but once I got
a few carries, I was good.

I prefer playing running back over defensive back because I like scoring touchdowns and getting yards. I enjoy scoring touchdowns because it helps my team win.

I was more proud of my touchdown than my interception because we only scored twice. I was happy that I got one of the touchdowns.

I played middle-school football last year. Last year was my first year playing football. I’ve just always liked the sport.

My older brother (Drew) helps me a lot. He’s really good, and he always tells me what to do. He just helps me out.

I just want to try and get on the field as much as I can this year. I’m really good at making moves around defenders, but I still need to work on my tackling when I’m on defense.

I look up to Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller. I just like him. I like how he runs the ball, and he’s really fast.

I eventually want to play college football. I just have to keep working hard and get in the weight room. My dad (Larry) used to play Division I football at the University of Buffalo and Kent State University. He’s always told me to work hard and never give up.