Name: Jackson Connelly
Position(s): DE/ RB
Height/Weight: 6’3” 220 lbs.
Jersey #22
School & Class: Quakertown 2026
GPA: 3.5
Key Stats: 70 tackles, 15 TFL, 5 sacks
Awards: 2nd Team All-League DE, HM All-League RB
Favorite NFL team: New York Giants
Quote from the head coach: “Jackson has the size and speed to play multiple positions on the field. One school has him as a scholarship player at four different positions. He is coming off a breakout year and continuing it into the offseason. We look for Jackson to be a dominating force on defense and another weapon in the arsenal on offense.”
On-Field Focus
What’s your proudest moment on the football field for Quakertown this season or in your career?
“My proudest moment would be beating North Penn my Sophomore Year ending the losing streak since 1979.”
Describe a play where you made a game-changing impact. What was going through your mind?
“4th Quarter final drive vs Cheltenham I got a 10 yard sack to put them deep in their own field on 3rd down. All that was going through my mind was beating this Offensive Tackle with a pass rush move that has been working all game. “
What’s the toughest part of playing running back & defensive end and how do you prepare for it?
“The toughest part would be absorbing the hits every single play. It really makes you take your offseason training very seriously to get very strong, and improve durability to be ready for these hits week in and week out. “
Which NFL player do you model your game after, and what do you admire about them?
“I really admire Abdul Carter’s pass rush skills, and his hybrid ability to play Edge and Linebacker like I do.”
What’s a drill or skill you’re grinding to perfect before the season?
“A skill I’m trying to perfect this season is getting my pass rush moves down to a T on the Edge.”
Personal Story
How did you start playing football, and what keeps you passionate about it?
“I started playing football at the age of 6, and back then it was all about scoring touchdown. As I got older, I just loved to hit people and play alongside my teammates in front of an awesome Quakertown crowd.”
Who’s been your biggest supporter (e.g., coach, family, teammate) in your football journey?
“I would say my grandpa has been my biggest supporter. He never misses the games on Friday nights whether they’re home, or a far away game. He always gives me feedback on what he think I did well and what I need to get better on.”
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome—on the field or off—that’s made you a better player or person?
“Challenges I’ve overcome are injuries. These injuries really make you step back and appreciate when you are healthy, how important that is. This has showed me how to always come back stronger than I was before.”
How does playing in the Suburban One League shape your experience as a high school athlete?
“Playing in the Suburban One League is a great first step to playing college football. There are a bunch of great players throughout the league who are great competitors throughout the season. “
Football Flair
What’s your pre-game ritual or superstition to get in the zone?
“My pregame ritual is pretty simple. I usually just listen to my music with my headphones on before warm ups, then leading up to the game the team comes together with the speaker to get each other hype.”
What’s the one song on your pre-game playlist that fires you up, and why?
“Paranoid by Black Sabbath always gets me fired up. The beat of the song, the pace, just gets everyone going.”
What’s your nickname in the locker room, and how’d you earn it?
“My nickname in the locker room is JCon. My sophomore year I got it just because of the first letter of my first name, then part of my last name.”
“I would take Jacob Moises ability to manhandle people with the size that he has, it’s never easy going against him.”
If you could take one teammate’s skill for a game, whose would you pick and why?
Future and Goals
What’s your biggest goal for this season with Quakertown?
“The biggest goal I have for the team this year is to win the league this year, and ultimately go far in the playoffs.”
Are you eyeing college football? What’s your dream school or program to play for?
I am looking to play college football. I currently have offers from Maine and Sacred Heart.
Where do you see yourself in football or life five years from now?
“I see myself playing college football, and making a name for myself across the country.”
Team and League Pride
What makes playing for Quakertown in the Suburban One League special to you?
“Playing for Quakertown is special to me because of the community. The fans that show up to every game, the packed home stands, the environment, and the people.”
Who’s an under-the-radar teammate who deserves more shine, and why?
“An under the radar teammate that I think deserves more shine is Kyler Roesener. He’s a great competitor and a very hard worker.”
What’s the loudest or most memorable crowd moment you’ve experienced in a game?
“The most memorable crowd moment was from this past year when we were down 28-0 after the first quarter than ended up winning on the last play of the game 35-34.”