Jackson Lewandowski: Lake Zurich’s Promising Defensive End

Jackson Lewandowski, a junior defensive end at Lake Zurich, seems tailor-made for football. His father, Joe Lewandowski, played as an offensive lineman in the Arena League and now serves as an assistant coach for the Bears. Jackson stands at 6-foot-3, weighs 235 pounds, and sports a distinctive buzz-cut, epitomizing the image of a dedicated athlete.

“From my earliest memories, I remember playing football,” Jackson expressed. He fondly recalls playing catch with his father and adapting to every position during his childhood. Football dominates his thoughts, as he finds there are countless aspects to consider about the game.

Since Lake Zurich’s narrow 24-21 defeat against Nazareth in last year’s Class 6A quarterfinals, Jackson has had a lot on his mind. College scouts have shown interest, and he has participated in various showcase camps. These events provided him with a platform to display his talents. Toledo and Miami of Ohio have extended offers, with Jackson particularly highlighting his speed as a standout feature. As the Bears prepare for their home opener against Fremd on August 21, his swiftness impresses recruiters. “For my size, I’m quite fast,” he stated, noting how running is his favorite task at camps.

Transitioning to a defensive end role allowed Jackson to focus more, and his productivity soared. In his first varsity year at this new position, he recorded five sacks and 27 tackles, including eight tackles for a loss. “He’s the biggest guy on the field, and he’s so versatile,” said Lake Zurich senior linebacker Brock Rubicz. Rubicz emphasized Jackson’s flexibility in adapting to different opponents and situations.

Last season, Jackson faced a challenging start against Fremd, competing against Northwestern recruit Owen Jakubczak. Despite Fremd’s victory, Jackson learned from the encounter, stating, “My first plays at varsity, my first plays at D-line, and I had to go against that big fella.” This initial hurdle paved the way for his growth as a player.

A week later, Jackson secured his first varsity sack during a 33-0 win over Antioch, despite an earlier offside penalty. “My false start messed up the whole thing, but I got a sack going the other way, and it totally changed the trajectory of the game,” he mentioned.

Besides playing defensive end, he contributed at tight end last year, showcasing his dual capabilities. His speed aligns with his defensive skills, making him an attractive option during passing plays. “I was put into a spot to succeed on both sides of the ball by coaches because everything was new for me,” Jackson commented. He credited the support he received from seniors and coaches for his development.

This year, Dragan Teonic has taken over as head coach, replacing Ron Planz. Teonic brings experience from coaching at Harper College, Hersey, Larkin, and South Elgin. He expressed excitement, saying, “It’s an honor and a privilege to lead this program.” Although the Bears are rebuilding their offense, six key players from the defensive team are returning, including tacklers Rubicz and Arturo Zarinana.

Lake Zurich’s defense remains robust with Jackson as a central figure. “He’s long and has a great first and second step,” noted Coach Teonic, highlighting Jackson’s explosiveness in reaching the football.

Looking ahead, Jackson’s high school career seems promising. “He’s going to get bigger, stronger, and faster, and seems to have a pretty good football IQ,” remarked his father, Joe Lewandowski. With his potential, he might advance to the top levels of college football.