The only thing that will satisfy Rogers High School wrestler Damian Jackson is if he can reach the Mat Classic state tournament in February.

Jackson, a 145-pound grappler who missed the regional tournament by one match in 2011, worked hard in the offseason to improve his skills.

“Last season kind of ended in disappointment for me,” he said. “This summer I went out and did some freestyle/Greco training. I feel good about this year, and I want to place at the state tournament.

“I’ve been wrestling since I was in eighth grade and have loved it ever since,” he added.

Jackson said he will either wrestle in the 138- or 145-pound division this year.

The Herald recently asked Jackson a few questions about his life away from the wrestling mat.

The Herald: What is your favorite movie of all time?

DJ: Probably “I am Legend.” The guy was all alone, kind of like in wrestling. In wrestling, you’re all alone out there, and you have to try to do what you can to survive.

TH: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

DJ: I’m from Ohio. I grew up as a country boy. I grew up on a farm with my grandma, grandpa, my mom and dad. My dad joined the Army, so I’ve moved around quite a bit.

TH: Where do you see yourself in five years?

DJ: Hopefully wrestling in my senior year in college. If I could, I would try to go somewhere in the Big Ten (Conference). They have great wrestling programs.

TH: What would you do if you had $1 million?

DJ: Help out my family in any way I could. I would get them whatever they needed.

TH: Who is your pick to win the Super Bowl this year?

DJ: The Detroit Lions. They started out great and had a little bump after the San Francisco loss and kind of went downhill. I see them coming back up and surprising some people.

TH: What is your biggest pet peeve?

DJ: When people are talking at wrestling practice when the coaches are trying to demonstrate something. A lot of the younger guys don’t realize you have to be serious all the time.

TH: What is your favorite hobby away from wrestling?

DJ: I play football. I help coach the Puyallup Falcons’ youth wrestling team. I go to their tournaments whenever my high school team isn’t competing or practicing. I try to help them out in any way I can.