Enthusiasm. Every time Jaymin Jackson (Sr., Vancouver, Wash.) steps on a football field he brings just that, simply because he can’t control it.

“I’ve been that way since I was a kid,” says Jackson, a senior linebacker from Vancouver’s Columbia River High School. “Since the first time I started playing football in the third grade, I was always the one getting excited and celebrating. It’s just my personality.”

A two-time Northwest Conference all-star, Jackson’s experience and leadership have been nothing short of invaluable for a Linfield club that looks poised for a playoff run.

With the big expectations that come with playing at Linfield, it is Jackson who keeps things loose.

“I try to keep things light, whether it’s dancing around or telling jokes,” says Jackson. “Football is a grind and it’s a long season and we are with guys for 25 hours a week so you have got to make it fun. It’s hard for me when I’m competing or playing to not be vocal. That’s definitely my role on the team”

Wildcats defensive lineman Ian Estrada (Sr., Kailua, Hawaii) sees Jackson’s enthusiasm on a daily basis.

“Jaymin is the kind of guy who won't settle for anything but excellence,” notes Estrada.” “I love and respect the guy because of his integrity, because he knows exactly who he is and because he stays true to that and he is confident in it.”

After an emotional win over Willamette that Jackson describes as “at the top of the list” in terms of career wins, the senior is quick to point out the X-factor in 2009.

“Team chemistry,” Jackson blurts out without even thinking. “That’s the one thing that we can say has made us successful this season. We’ve been more talented in the past but the team chemistry wasn’t nearly as good. This year everyone is having a great time and enjoying themselves.”

The moments of 2009 come with great satisfaction for Jackson because there was a brief moment where it looked like it may never happen.

Four years ago, he thought he would never play football again.

During his senior year of high school, a week after deciding to play football at Linfield, Jackson was diagnosed with diabetes. The news was met with a reaction that no athlete every wants to feel.

“I didn’t think I would be able to play again,” says Jackson after getting the news he was diabetic. “I called (then-coach Jay) Locey and let him know I got diagnosed with diabetes and was thinking, ‘What am I going to do?’”

The immediate news from Locey was positive. Jackson learned that Locey had a history of working with coaches and players who were diabetic.

While the coach’s reaction was better than expected, it wasn’t until Jackson stepped on the field again that he really knew things were headed in the right direction.

“My first time playing football after the diagnosis was in the summertime, playing in the East-West all-state game,” notes Jackson. “That was the first time I said ‘OK, I’m going to be alright.’”

With a schedule that includes class, football practice and film sessions, Jackson’s priority is to make sure his glucose levels are in a range that is usually between 100 and 180.

Even though Jackson has been on a schedule that is able to adapt between football season and the offseason, there are times where it becomes tough both physically and mentally to cope with the diabetes. During last weekend’s game against Willamette, Jackson’s glucose levels rose to a level that was out of the normal range.

“At the start of a game I like to be at around 200 because I will drop by the end, but last weekend I was like 280,” explains Jackson. “I had to struggle through that because you are a little more lethargic, but more than anything it’s just in the back of your mind. That’s the hard part at times, because mentally you have to push through that and focus on the game.”

For Jackson, there is a risk every Saturday he puts on the pads. Though the chances are extremely slim, an unknowing drop in glucose levels could cause an insulin coma.

“You never know,” says Jackson of his situation. “It makes you really appreciate every opportunity you have to step on the field. A lot of people take that approach to football, but I’d say I take it a little bit more. At the same point, I don’t like to make excuses or use it at as a crutch, its just part of my life.”

With an added obstacle to overcome, whether it is physical or mental, Jackson plays under the team motto of “Right Now.” For Jackson, dealing with diabetes has its tough moments, but is still a very conquerable opponent.

No one has been more inspired than Linfield head coach Joseph Smith.

“Jaymin’s ability to handle the adversity associated with diabetes has been inspiring to me and I am sure to many of his teammates,” explains Smith. “Jaymin is a great teammate as he brings energy and enthusiasm to the team which is often contagious.  He lifts others up, and guys flat love playing alongside him.”

Regardless of how the remaining weeks of the football season play out for the Wildcats, Jackson has enjoyed the journey.

“It’s a great experience, with great friendships and relationships,” reflects Jackson. “You really get out what you put in and we’ve worked hard for four years and it’s paying off with the kind of team we have this season. The people here are what make it so special.”

Behind every tackle Jackson has made, there is a story bigger than football. It is one that is built on hard worth and enthusiasm. Regardless if it is football or diabetes, Jackson has met every hurdle with the same enthusiasm that fuels Linfield’s title hopes.

It is a player like Jackson who serves as a gentle reminder of what is achievable when having fun is at the heart of every day.

– Eric Evenson '11