JAXON MCKINNEY

MCALESTER HIGH SCHOOL

As a freshman, Jaxon McKinney accomplished a lot in his first year at McAlester High School and he’s got his sights set on more as he approaches his sophomore year. In baseball where he plays catcher, McKinney led the Buffaloes in hitting this past spring and set a school record for caught stealing throw outs. In football he started last year at free safety where he had 58 tackles and a pair of interceptions. With new coach Jeff Craig in charge, McKinney may be in line for some offensive play this year as a running back or possibly quarterback where Craig will need a new face.

“I think we’re a better team when I’m at quarterback because I have a lot of different skill sets and maybe more of a dual threat than some of the others. I feel like I can do a lot of things with the ball in my hands on offense and defense,” said McKinney.

Jaxon got his start in athletics in Coalgate where his dad coached him in pee wee football before moving to Ada and then to McAlester last year. The well-spoken sophomore is positive about the new coaching staff and the change to a 3-4 defense this year.

“I think the 3-4 is little easier to learn and our coaches have done a great job of teaching it. We’ve repped a lot of the new stuff already and I really like our new coaches. Coach Craig is pretty smart, and you can tell he’s played the game and been around it for a long time.”

Jaxon plans to attend some camps during the summer and work on getting his arm stronger to improve his chances of getting the QB spot and then playing a lot of 7-on-7. And his goals for the coming season?

“As a team your goal is always to win the gold ball, and I think we have a pretty good chance to do that this year. Personally, I’d like to get at least 80 tackles this year and improve on my two interceptions and contribute more on offense.”