Polk County Football Week 1 Defensive MVP: Alphonso Jackson

Winter Haven senior strong safety Alphonso Jackson was all over the field in the Blue Devils’ 35-0 win over Auburndale. He was a consistent tackler and snagged two interceptions. Everyone in Brunce Canova Stadium was asking, “Who is THAT guy?!?”

Jackson, a 5’11” 180 pound strong safety, receiver and special teams specialist has spent most of his high school career on the sidelines of Blue Devil games. Jackson began his final season as a Blue Devil, and his first as a starter, with a performance that made him the Polk County Football Week 1 Defensive MVP.

Jackson said that the Blue Devils’ Kickoff Classic game on Aug. 19 gave him a chance to prepare for the real deal.

“It felt good, I got warmed up in the first game and that’s where I got my jitters out. Last week I just tried to keep the concept of working hard and keeping a positive attitude.”

So what has kept Jackson off of the field?

“It’s kind of a weird story,” he said. “Freshman year I did pretty good, was moved up to varsity but unfortunately injuries caught up to me. Freshman, sophomore and junior year. I broke my ankle in my freshman year then tore my ACL.”

Jackson received the opportunity to become the Blue Devils’ starting strong safety and he made a transition from backup receiver. He said changing positions was difficult, but he was up for the task.

“This year a lot was happening position-wise; people were getting moved around,” he said. “I just got put in the position of strong safety. I didn’t know what to do at first, but my brother taught me and my coaches built me up for that position. Now I’m just trying to hold on.”

One look at Jackson’s film shows that he is a skilled defensive player with a genuine knowledge of the offensive side of the ball. His time on special teams has made him into a tackler with good fundamentals. Jackson said that he enjoys spending time with his teammates and he’s enjoying each day as it comes.

“Day-by-day I just try to build a relationship with the whole team. All the team. I’ve done that since freshman year. I enjoy playing with them and they keep me humble. I try to be a leader to the younger ones, and the ones that’s been with me since freshman year; it’s just a humbling experience that makes me want to stay focused.”

Winter Haven was the best team in Polk County to not make the playoffs in 2015. They finished third in Class 7A, District 7 (AKA the District of Death) behind Kathleen and Lakeland.

“Our team goal? It has always been Lakeland. We have to get them. We came short last year, but we’re just going to stay humble and go out there and give it our all. We have to take it one game at a time.”

High school players don’t get redshirt seasons, so Jackson’s opportunities for college have taken a hit, but he believes that as long as he keeps moving in the right direction, he will receive the fruits of his labor.

“Right now my book is open for anything. I’m just staying humble and asking God to guide me and guide that coach to contact me. I’m really looking forward to looking at Bethune-Cookman and FAMU that’s my parents’ alma mater.”

Winter Haven’s showdown with Lake Gibson was cancelled due to weather. They take Ridge Community this Friday in Winter Haven.

Polk County Football #GOWPolk
Week One – Winter Haven at Auburndale
Defensive MVP
Alphonso Jackson – Winter Haven Blue Devils