Get to know Clarkston football player, senior Jacob Lenardson
CLARKSTON, Mich. — Jacob Lenardson, 17, of Clarkston High School Class of 2023, will have played football, basketball, and baseball from kindergarten to grade 12. Jacob, number 51, is the starting Center and Defensive Lineman. Lenardson would love to play college football, but he aspires to go into the trades. Playing this long and being dedicated year after year has not been easy.
“Trying to stay consistent, showing up every day and giving it 110% takes a big toll on your physical and mental health. Also, it’s hard to push sports aside for school,” says Lenardson.
The “Bond of Brotherhood” and repsonsibility are things that will stick around long after high school ball. Lenardson says he would be no where near the position he’s in today without football. Something about the atmosphere–game day is filled with so much anticipation, and once you’re on the field with thousands watching, it just gives you a reason to play as hard as you can.
“That’s why it’s easy to love football!” Lenardson says.
There are an array of pregame rituals out there, and Jacob is no different. Before game time, he likes to take a nap, hit up Jimmy Johns, and then jam to some music. We talked about the “Bond of Brotherhood.” Being a member of the team has taught Lenardson to treat everyone equally.
He says, “We all may have different backgrounds and personalities, but we’re human and all have opinions.”
Looking back at the best advice he’s received from a coach has been from one of his past coaches, John King. He taught Lenardson Lombardi time–If you’re not 15 minutes early, you’re 15 minutes late! Lenardson has also been able to overcome obstacles through sports.
He says, “Anytime I look back after I gave up on anything, I realize I could have done it had I just ‘done this.”
Lenardson enjoys all sports, but football has been a part of his life since he was a baby. Jacob’s older brother, Spencer Lenardson, started to play early in life as well, and now plays for Alma College. Lenardson says he doesn’t know what he would do without his support system. He has the biggest, most loving family and his friends that have been there for him his entrie life.
Lenardson just recently played in a Football for the Cure game honoring people afflicted with cancer. He played for his Aunt Kim, who is in the midst of a battle as you read this! Playing with strength and honor brought tears to family as everyone prays for healing and strength for Aunt Kim.
Outside of sports, Lenardson loves to hang with friends, and if he’s not with friends, he takes time to reflect. He loves personal time to think everything through, make a plan–school, friends, schedule, what is the week looking like, etc. He also loves video games.
Whatever he is doing, you can bet Jacob Lenardson gives it his all, so make sure to keep an eye on Clarkston Football for the rest of the season.
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