Aaron Jackson '17 Recruiting Profile

First and foremost, I would like you to understand that I expect to see a dramatic increase in my performance this upcoming season. My story will explain why. In early February of 2014, my freshman year, I suffered a heart wrenching injury, which left my father in tears as he watched me carried off the court and into an ambulance. Dismayed; family, friends, and I were left anxiously questioning if I would ever even compete in sports again. My patella tendon had pulled off a chunk of my tibia and left a firm piece of bone erected up, under the skin of my left leg. I was told that luckily I would eventually be able to compete in sports again. Over a year later I was finally cleared, after a long and very bumpy rehabilitation. Growing up, I worked hard at sport, but often took for granted my God given talent. After my leg injury my whole mindset changed. I work immensely harder, and I am exceedingly more determined to achieve my goals. Additionally, I am considerably more thankful for the blessings and talents God had given to me. Not just in sports, but in everything I do. Improvement in every aspect of life means more to me now. I emerged more self motivated, disciplined, focused, and persevering. I am blessed to have gone through this experience, and I would not have it any other way.

My leg has completely healed and I was able to compete in high school track for the first time my junior year, however my leg muscles are still significantly weaker than they should be and I am still in the process of developing strength. I was able to still compete at a high level even with an estimated 60% of my leg strength, which leaves me wondering how high the ceiling is for my potential.  I am elated to finally be able to tap into my potential as I strengthen my legs and try to catch up the best I can from missing out on two years of growth and experience. Due to only running one year of track I have not been able to display the lengths of my talent. I expect a drastic  increase in my performance and times this upcoming season, as well as major continued improvement into college due to the large gap in development and strength I still need to make up from breaking my leg and missing out on my first two years of track and field. I am dedicated to utilizing the talent god gave me to my fullest potential and developing my talent to the maximum level possible.

More things you should know about me

Track and field and the sports environment in general have helped me grow as a leader and develop my character. I have a love for track and field, and the biomechanics involved and learning about the science of track and field fascinates me.  I enjoy applying the knowledge I gain to further increase my athletic performance.

I very much enjoy the company and love of my family; as well one of my favorite parts of my week is Sunday morning where I usually two to three times a month serve in Sunday school in the five year old class at my church.

Last year I was unable for the most part to compete in my favorite event, long jump due to not having adequate leg strength needed to sustain such an explosive activity. It is also arguably my best event; I won the Oakland Diocese CYO Track and Field Championship in eight grade with a jump of 19 feet 6 inches, but have not been able for the most part to compete in this event since then.

I enjoy learning, and I value greatly my education, and I’m blessed to be in a situation to have access to the educators, mentors, and knowledge that I have. In addition, I value my spiritual growth and growth as a leader