Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Khadry Jackson

Windermere Prep junior safety and wide receiver Khadry Jackson had a breakout season on both sides of the ball for the Lakers, who finished as SSAC runners-up. Jackson, who was fourth on the team in tackles and all-purpose yards, had a kickoff return for a touchdown in a playoff game against Orlando Christian Prep, and Windermere Prep coaches applauded his play during the Lakers’ defeat in the Florida Bowl against St. Stephen’s Episcopal.

Although the Lakers did not win the SSAC Florida Bowl, what about the way the team played made you proud?

I was proud of our resilience — we fought to the very end. One thing I’ve learned about this team is we’re fighters. 

Overall, what was your impression of this season?

It was very fun. You don’t see a lot of teams go 10-1, so that’s a major accomplishment for any team. Period. I think the season was very good — we did a lot, but sadly we couldn’t win the whole thing.

Where do you feel you improved this fall?

I feel like I got better mentally, knowing the game and breaking down information. I’ve always been a sports junkie, and I love to study. Knowing this position, that position — all the positions on the team — it just helped me get better.

What was it like in the playoff game against Orlando Christian Prep, when you had a game-winning kickoff return for a touchdown?

That was the highlight of the game. … It’s always fun being a part of those games. You just know, “This is a good game; this is a good team we’re going up against.”

Which of your teammates at Windermere Prep is the funniest?

I would say Ross Fournet. He’s a funny dude, and you can just tell he’s a really good dude.

Who is a collegiate or NFL player you admire?

Jalen Ramsey. Just watching him from college at Florida State — he plays with a (fearless) attitude. He’s about the same size as me, and he’s really athletic. I just like the way he plays the game, with so much intensity and heart.

Which dish at Thanksgiving dinner were you looking forward to the most?

My grandma’s sweet potato pies. She makes the best sweet potato pies, I think, ever.

What’s your favorite thing about playing for head coach Jacob Doss?

He’s real fun. A lot of coaches, you think they’re hard-nosed, but he wants to relate to you. Sometimes in practice, we have the music on and he tries to see what we’re hip to.

What are you thinking you would like to study in college?

Marketing or sports management. I like the business side of sports. If not that, then maybe history or something.

What’s something you learned about this year that was really interesting?

I would say anatomy and physiology. Mr. (Mike) Crocetti, he’s an awesome teacher — the way he breaks it down to us and helping us to study better.