UA: Jamabo thanks supporters

The talent of Soso Jamabo has never been in question. From the time he was little he turned heads on the field with his playmaking ability.

He has been blessed with size, athleticism and talent. Still he has always had a drive to improve. He has always been driven to do more.

Many have sung his praises over the years, and he is appreciative. Still, he cannot help but hear the whispers and continue to push forward.

On Friday night as he prepared for Plano West's fierce match-up with Allen, he was honored as an Under Armour All-American, and he was appreciative of both those who doubted and those who have supported.

"I've always had doubters from when I started," Jamabo said. "I've always had that tight group with my family and my supporters, so really it's for them. It's also for me so I can say I've been successful and I've worked my tail off to get to where I am. That's motivation for me because I'm one of the most liked guys but at the same time one of the least liked people. I guess I just push myself and hold myself to a different standard. I just try to be successful."

The different standard he has pushed toward has seen him accomplish many tasks over the years. He has earned scholarship offers from across the country. He has competed against the best and has performed in front of large audiences. Achieving Under Armour All-American status was something he fought hard to reach, and it is definitely an honor.

"It obviously means a lot," Jamabo said. "I'm real proud of myself and where I've brought myself so far. Growing up it's just something you'd love to be in -- an ESPN All-American game, playing in front of millions of people, and just being up there on that stage. I'm proud of myself and it's definitely a reward for how far I've come so far and I'm just beginning. I'm proud but I'm far from satisfied and I just want to keep getting better."

Improvement is always high on his list, and as a senior he has pushed himself more than ever. Jamabo entered the season with high expectations, but he knew he could deliver more.

"I think this year is definitely different because of my mindset," Jamabo said. "I want to be the leader of the team. I'm really hungry for a state championship and I think this team is definitely capable of doing it. I'm just pushing myself harder than I ever have before because I think I'm one of the top players in the country and I think my team can do something special. This year I'm holding myself to a different standard and I'm pushing myself as far as I can go in order to get everything I can out of me and my team. That was my goal coming into the year. There's no statistics or anything like that it's push myself and get my team as far as I can and be the best we can be."

The changed mindset has paid off to the tune of 1,711 yards and 33 touchdowns on 152 carries. He is also Plano West's leading receiver with nine receptions for 153 yards and two more touchdowns. More importantly for Jamabo is Plano West's 7-1 overall record heading into Friday's match-up.

With the playoffs just a few weeks away, Jamabo remains focused, but he has also been able to handle the recruiting process. He has taken official visits to Notre Dame and UCLA with both making big impressions on the standout running back. He continues to keep a close eye on in-state options Texas A&M and Baylor, and Arizona State and Ole Miss have made pushes up his list.

He is not ready to get too far ahead of himself and get too consumed with his college future. High school football and the playoffs are in his immediate future. After the season he now has the honor of playing in the Under Armour All-American Game.

Heading to Florida to play in the game became a top priority as he watched it last year. True to form for Jamabo he is most looking forward to pushing for more.

"Probably just seeing what all the competition really is," Jamabo said. "Going to all the camps I've been to has been nice, but being in pads is definitely seeing where you stand. You're going up against the best players in the country and that kind of sets you up for how college is going to be in a way. It's definitely going to be kind of a checkpoint for me to see where I am. I'm just going to go out there and have fun. I'm not going to take it out of proportion but I'm just going to take it as a chance to see how good I really am and kind of go from there."

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