TOPBALLERZ.NET

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
 

West Haven native and Washington Redskin Rob Jackson

TOPBALLERZ.NET was able to sit down with former West Haven High (CT) standout and Washington Redskin player Rob Jackson. At West Haven High, Jackson was a Top 20 rated player in New England. Star at Kansas State and highly regarded player by the Redskins, Jackson hasn’t forgotten his roots. TOPBALLERZ.NET brought the star back to share his experiences from his first NFL season:

Topballerz: Rob, welcome back to the area. How does it feel to be in the NFL?

Jackson: I mean it’s what I always wanted. It feels great.

Topballerz: You took a different path to get where you are today. Tell me about it.

Jackson: I played at West Haven High School (2004 Graduate). Played well too but didn’t do what I needed to do in the classroom so instead of going to Syracuse like I wanted to I went to Community College in Kansas.

Topballerz: How did you like it there?

Jackson: I didn’t like it but it was what I needed. Fort Scott (Community College) was in the middle of nothing. All I could do was focus on football and class; it was the best thing for me. It made me a man.

Topballerz: It obviously worked for you; you went on the Kansas State and was a standout.

Jackson: Yeah, we didn’t even win a game the two years I was at Fort Scott but I was doing good so I went to Kansas State with coach Ron Prince.

Topballerz: Tell me about draft day. Where were you when the NFL draft was on? Were you with family?

Jackson: I was actually in school. I kinda watched it but kinda didn’t. It was me and one of my teammates that got drafted so it was cool.

Topballerz: Now was there a particular team you wanted to go to or what? Who is your favorite team growing up?

Jackson: I worked out for Tampa Bay, Raiders, Redskins, and the Giants. I was actually a Giants fan all the way up so that would have been nice but I just wanted to get drafted period.

Topballerz: All in all how did you like your rookie season?

Jackson: It was cool. Learned a lot. I just excited to get back to work. We start mini camp workouts in about a month. I am ready to get started.

Topballerz: That’s sounds good. You living in the area or what?

Jackson: No, I have a place in Virginia. I come back to Connecticut to see my family a lot though.

Topballerz: I see the fan club behind us decked out in Redskin gear.

Jackson: Yeah, they supported me from day one.

Topballerz: That’s great. Well good luck next season.

Jackson: Not a problem. Thank you. 

With the recent addition of free-agent Albert Haynesworth and high draft pick Brian Orakpo, the Redskins defensive line could be the best they’ve had in ten years.

TOPBALLERZ.NET wish Rob Jackson the best of luck and will track his progress in the 2009 season.