Jad Aljakhbeer: From ACL injury to Observer player of the week at Ardrey Kell

Jad Aljakhbeer wants you to know something.

“I had a great time out there playing football last week,” he said.

Aljakhbeer, a senior defensive lineman at Ardrey Kell, played like someone having a great time. He totaled nine tackles, three sacks and two quarterback hurries in the Knights’ 27-13 victory over Cuthbertson.

For his efforts, he has been voted The Observer’s Football Player of the Week for Week 1 of the 2025 season.

“With the way things went the last couple years, it was such a joy to be out there playing football again,” he said.

Aljakhbeer showed the enthusiasm of someone who hadn’t played a healthy down of football since the middle of his sophomore season. That’s when he tore the ACL in his left knee — an injury that sidelined him for the rest of his sophomore season and the first half of his junior year.

“And when I came back last year, it was gradual,” he said. “I wasn’t able to go full speed.”

Aljakhbeer said head coach Greg Jachym and the assistant coaches helped him throughout his recovery.

“(Assistant Coach Carter Greene) even came over to our house regularly to check on me,” he said. “We have the greatest coaching staff.”

With the benefit of more healing time since the end of last season, Aljakhbeer said he is playing at 100 percent now.

“Actually, make that 120 percent,” he said. “I feel better than ever.”

Aljakhbeer started playing football around age 3 and said he was always a defensive lineman. He said football is “a passion” in his life.

“I love getting up early for the morning preseason practices, I love the two-a-days, I love the conditioning,” he said. “I love everything about football.”

Aljakhbeer, 6-1 and 215 pounds, said defense will be a calling card with Ardrey Kell this season.

“We have a lot of really talented players who have worked hard,” he said. “And it isn’t even really like a team. It’s like a lot of close friends, working together.”

Aljakhbeer said he can’t wait for Friday’s game at Porter Ridge.

“They always have a good team, and it will be a challenge,” he said. “And every time we go out there, I get to play football once again. I mean … I live for that!”