Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Connail Jackson

Cardinal Mooney football (6-1) is the top-ranked team in FHSAA Class 2A, and on Oct. 10, the group handed No. 3 Lakewood its first loss of the season. Running back Connail Jackson punctuated the statement victory, 35-12, with four rushing touchdowns and 209 yards. Both marked new season highs for the junior, who has now rushed for over 100 yards in six consecutive games and has 14 total touchdowns on the ground. Jackson is the Sarasota Observer Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start playing football?

I was seven years old when I started playing football. I was just asked by my Mom if I wanted to play football, and I said, 'Yeah.' And when I started playing it, I liked it from such a young age and continued to pursue it.

How did you gravitate to running back as your favorite position?

I started out playing running back — that was my first position. In little league, I also played defense and offense, so I was figuring out which one I wanted to play, running back or somewhere else on defense. It all just went down to running back because it was more of a fun position. And I feel like it was more of a physical position too, which I could get more hits in.

What's been the highlight of your season so far?

The Lakewood game that we just played.

What's been the most humbling moment in your career as a football player?

Last year, we were playing a spring game against, I think it was St. Petersburg. There's this big d-lineman, he's going off to Texas, and he got past my o-lineman, picked me up and body-slammed me. That was the worst thing ever. My head was ringing.

What were your goals entering your junior season with Cardinal Mooney?

My goal is just to do good, and to better myself every day. And to help the team get better too as a whole.

What do you love most about playing for this team?

I like my teammates and the energy around me — the energy that they bring. They all lift each other up.

What's the story behind your nickname?

I was just a fat baby and my mom gave me the nickname "Fat Daddy," but I shortened it down to just "Fat," because I like the nickname still and everybody already called me "Fat."

What's one quote, if any, that you live your life by?

"Always be humble."

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would you meet and why?

It would be Bo Jackson. He's a very good athlete, and he also played in Major League Baseball.

What's your favorite movie?

I like The Waterboy.

What's your favorite meal?

A burger. Anywhere that has burgers, or anything with burgers. I really love burgers.

Finish this sentence. Connail Jackson is...

Humble.