Manual’s star defensive end and offensive player, Cameron Jessee (12, HSU), started his football journey in fourth grade. 

Then, after not playing for a few years, he decided to start playing again in seventh grade at Noe Middle School. 

“I thought it was really fun and I felt like I had a future in it,” Jessee said.  

Wanting to follow in his father’s and brother’s footsteps, Jessee set his sights on the sport. 

Originally, Jessee was going to attend Ballard High School, but in the end, switched his decision to Manual. 

“There were some people that wanted me to go to Manual,” Jessee said. “I was like ok.”

After Jessee’s leap towards being a Crimson, he decided to keep going with football. And, in just a few years, Jessee became an essential part of the team.

He not only stood strong against the Crimsons’ opponents as a part of the defense, but  contributed to the team offensively, as well.  

“I don’t have a favorite side of the ball…it was fun being on both sides because you get to see and be a part of how they interact against and with each other,” Jessee said. 

Though his four years on the football team has seen four different head coaches, he has enjoyed his time on the team and has had many memorable moments. 

“I always felt like we were a good team, but this year has definitely been my most fun year,” Jessee said.

Jessee reflects on the highs of this year—including beating St. Xavier for the second consecutive year and of course, the big win against Manual’s rival, Male High School. 

“You gotta go with Male, obviously [because we won] for the first time in 11 years,” Jessee said.

The Crimsons have been without the Barrell for over a decade, but that all changed this season. Manual went out and beat Male 21-0 in the “Old Rivalry.” 

“I knew we were going to win…the mentality we came into the game [with], it was a win or win game and I feel like we executed perfectly,” Jessee said. 

Overall, Jessee is content and proud of the successful contributions he made to the team throughout his time at Manual. Those contributions have ultimately led him to his next step in his football career. 

“I was trying to find a home, and I did,” Jessee said. 

Next year, he will be attending Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, where he will continue to play football.

“I couldn’t be more ready for EKU…once June 1 hits, I can’t wait to hit the ground running,” Jessee said.

Even with a secured future in college football, Jessee still reflects on all his high school moments. He can’t believe his time on the Manual football team is over. 

“Manual football has been a huge part of my life up until this point. It still hasn’t clicked with me that it’s over but I know I’ll remember it for the rest of my life,” Jessee said.  

Jessee leaves high school football with not only a rivalry win against Male and a college commitment, but also second in Class 6A for defensive sacks, and a lifetime of memories and friendship.