UNH’s Jameson ready for college football after decorated high school career
DURHAM, N.H. (BVM) — Justin Jameson is arriving for his freshman season at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) after a decorated high school career. The incoming Wildcats safety knows what it takes to set goals and accomplish them.
Going into his senior year of high school at Oaktown in Massachusetts, also playing the running back position, Jameson made it a goal to hit 2,000 yards rushing. He would eclipse that mark finishing with 2,200 yards on the ground.
“It was something that I remember talking to my athletic director before the season started and I told him I wanted to rush for 2,000 yards this year,” Jameson said. “He kind of looked at me and he’s like ‘no ones ever done that here before,’ but he’s like ‘I believe in you.’ He wasn’t really 100% convinced, but he knew I could do it.
“I wrote down before every game how many yards I wanted to rush for and I made sure to reach that and if I didn’t, then I had to make up for it next game. Writing goals was a baseline for how I got that done. It was a big part before every game, I would write down four or five game goals, practice goals, and how I’d get it done.”
For Jameson, setting goals has always helped him stay on track. Heading to the next level isn’t going to change the way he’s always done things.
“It’s been a big part of how my success has gone, just writing it down and visualizing it, because when I write it down, it seems to come more true than not writing it down at all,” Jameson said. “It kind of gets imprinted into my head, so it helps. I’m definitely carrying it into college, especially now that everyone at UNH is a great athlete, so I’m going to need that little edge.”
Jameson finished a post-graduate year at Phillips Exeter Academy, where better competition helped prepare him for the NCAA Division I level. At UNH, Jameson will look to make an impact as a safety for the Wildcats. The switch from running back and linebacker is something that Jameson has come to embrace.
“In my younger days I played center and lineman and I realized I was too small to be a lineman,” Jameson said. “Eighth grade year I switched to running back and linebacker and I loved it. During high school I realized I might have to switch positions if I want to be able to play D-I football.
“After senior year, they ended up switching me to strong safety and I really love the position. The last four months, I’ve been specifically training just doing strong safety drills and covering. I love the transition, I think it fits me a lot better than linebacker did just because of my height.”
Jameson’s connection to the coaching staff has been a positive influence during the pandemic as the team participates in Zoom meetings to stay connected. With the Wildcats’ fall football season canceled, things have looked a little different heading into the year.
“It’s definitely been harder than normal, just because we should have been on campus training with the team but we have to rely on each other to do our parts,” Jameson said. “It’s been a challenge but it’s getting better, it’s been going really well.
“Luckily for me I’ve still been getting to the weight room. I’ve been going to the weight room every day of the week. So I’ve been staying active, staying in shape, and ready to go when the season is coming. Hopefully it’s this spring but if not I’m ready for next year.”
