Jackline of all trades
BUTLER TWP — A tight end and middle linebacker for the Butler freshman football team this past season, John Jackline is headed to Daytona Beach, Fla., for the holiday break.
As a quarterback.
The 6-foot-2, 170-pound Jackline is one of 300 underclassmen nationwide to be invited to participate in the annual Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Florida.
“I've been a quarterback most of the years I've played,” Jackline said. “They moved me to tight end this year because of my size and we needed somebody there.
“I'd like to advance as a quarterback and I'm excited that this experience will help me with that.”
Jackline was nominated by somebody for All-American Bowl consideration, but his family doesn't know by who.
“It's still a mystery to us,” said Kurt Jackline, John's father. “It was probably one of his former coaches. This year's Butler staff really didn't know him before this year.”
John played in the Butler Area Midget Football League and for the North Catholic Ironmen youth team before joining the Butler Junior High program two years ago.
The All-American Bowl consists of a series of practices and workouts before concluding with a youth “bowl” game. The players report Dec. 26 and will be there through the end of the month.
Each player receives an All-American Bowl jersey and pants. Players are graded on drills that include the 40-yard dash, bench press and vertical jump.
Each will wind up with a national player profile ranking that may later be used as a recruiting tool.
“I've never been there before, so I'm not sure what to expect,” Jackline said. “I know we'll be going through two sets of practices each day before getting to the game.
“I love playing quarterback. I feel like I'm pretty fast and agile and I'm not afraid to run up the middle. Being on the field each day with some of the best kids my age in the country ... I'm looking forward to seeing how I do.”
His father coached flag football and was a developmental team coach with the Ironmen.
“John's played pretty much every position on the field at some point,” Mr. Jackline said. “He's played center, offensive line ... I'm thrilled to death he has this opportunity.
“My understanding is he was selected through judging of his athletic ability, but I don't know much about the process.”
Football is not the only sport John Jackline has taken part in.
“He's in wrestling right now,” his father said. “He's also played baseball, soccer, volleyball, hockey ... Now he's trying rugby.
“He has the mobility and an accurate arm at quarterback. I'm anxious to see how he does down there.”
