Jackson Kohl always hated that big yellow stripe.
The CBC senior tight end spent his first several years in the sport as an offensive lineman and linebacker.
Kohl was bigger and stronger than the other kids in fourth grade so he was not allowed to carry or catch the ball because of his overwhelming size.
A yellow stripe placed on his helmet indicated Kohl was only permitted to block and tackle opponents.
From fourth to sixth grade, Kohl was limited during his time in the Chesterfield Bears little league program.
"There wasn't a whole lot I could really do," Kohl recalled. "But when they ripped that stripe off my helmet, I was ready to go."
The 6-foot-5, 240-pounder has more than made up for lost time.
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Kohl, the No. 15 recruit on the Post-Dispatch Super 30 football countdown of the area's top senior college football prospects, is one of the top two-way tight ends in the state. His blocking ability, along with his big-play receiving skills, have made him popular among NCAA Division I coaches. He has approximately 20 offers and will make his college choice sometime over the next few months.
For what must have seemed like an eternity, Kohl could only block and tackle.
"But, I was an animal at middle linebacker," Kohl said. "I thought that was what I was going to play in high school, but I was a lot better at tight end once I was allowed to play there."
Kohl became a full-time player at the outset of seventh grade with the CBC Junior Cadets program.
"It was a great day when I got rid of that stripe," he said.
The CBC coaching staff immediately recognized Kohl had the perfect build for a tight end. So he began playing the position as a freshman and has improved steadily every year.
"He does so much preparing during the week and then when Friday comes, he's ready," CBC senior linebacker Jacob Grunwaldt said. "Not only does he have a lot of talent, but he's out there pushing everybody else to be better too."
Kohl broke into the lineup as a freshman. He served as a blocker during his first two seasons in helping the Cadets win back-to-back state championships. He became more of an offensive weapon last season with 10 catches for 124 yards and two scores.
His strength lies in his pure physical toughness. He possesses great lateral speed, strong hand placement and above average leg drive to pave holes for the Cadets running attack. Those traits have also helped him shine as a pass protector.
Kohl has solid hands and the ability to catch the ball in traffic as well. His size makes him extra tough to bring down.
Plus, he knows the game inside and out. And he shines in the weight room.
"I'm always going hard on every single play," Kohl said. "My run blocking, I'm really aggressive with it."
The Ballwin resident gets his skills from his father, Jason, a former standout linebacker at Parkway South.
"He's the whole reason I got into football in the first place," Jackson said.
Kohl, who used to play lacrosse at CBC, likes to fish. His most impressive haul has been an eight-pound bass. He also plays pickleball on a regular basis and claims to be the best among his teammates.
The Cadets sport a 37-5 record in Kohl's three seasons with two state titles to go along with last year's runner-up effort. He feels blessed he's had a chance to play in the championship games each of his previous three years.
"I realize there are good players and good teams that never even win a district title," said Kohl, who sports a 3.65 GPA. "It's not something we take for granted. And we know we're going to have to work even harder to get back there again this year."
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