Each week during the college football season we will feature a player who is an officer for an Uplifting Athletes Chapter for our Beyond the Trophy series.

 Name: Jason Cabinda

College: Penn State University

Height, weight, class, position: 6-1, 234-pound senior linebacker

High School: Hunterdon Central HS, Flemington, NJ

About Cabinda: Jason has played a major role in the emergence of the Nittany Lions as a Big Ten and national college football power. … As a true freshmen in 2014 he appeared in nine games and made his first start against Illinois. He’s been a starter at linebacker since his sophomore season and recently made his 30th start. … He is co-President of the Penn State Chapter and attended the 2017 Leadership Conference. … He’s been on the All-Big Ten team each of the past two seasons, and earlier this year was the Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week after his 13-tackle effort against Michigan. … Jason is one several postseason award watch lists for 2017.

What is your most memorable experience as a college football player?

Cabinda: My most memorable experience as a football player would have to be last years Whiteout in which we were able to beat Ohio State who at the time was the No. 2 team in the nation getting that upset and watching the crowd storm the field was great.

What drove you to get involved with Uplifting Athletes, and what, if anything, has this experience done for you?

Cabinda: I had first heard about it after a team meeting and just thought that it was simply another way I could get involved on campus and in the community and use my influence in a good way. It has taught me just how fortunate we are each day and to know that you should never take your health for granted.

As a player, what is your favorite part of the game day experience at your home stadium?

Cabinda: Just seeing how crazy the fans are in the stadium and feeding off that energy when we first run out that gate is the best. Taking the time to really just breathe and take it all in is always awesome.

Who is your favorite NFL player and why?

Cabinda: My favorite NFL player would probably be Gerald Hodges just because I love the way he plays downhill and I hope to be able to be as a good as he is one day.

If you could have lunch with any one person (dead or alive), who would you choose and why?

Cabinda: It would be Lebron James just because he’s my favorite athlete and he’s someone whose brain I would love to pick apart.

What is your favorite road stadium to play in and why?

Cabinda: It would probably have to be playing in the Iowa stadium just because of how hostile of an environment it was it’s a great feeling to get a win there.

In your words, what are some of the things you are looking for in life after football or big goals for the future?

Cabinda: Definitely would have to be going into sports broadcasting which is something I have grown an admiration for since being in college and definitely something I would really like to pursue.

 RAPID FIRE

What is your perfect pizza?

Cabinda: Barbecue chicken pizza with bacon on it

Last 3 songs you added to your playlist?

Cabinda: Word of Mouth –Shotta Spence; No cap –Future and Young thug; Pick it up- Famous Dex and A$AP Rocky

Taylor Swift or Miley Cyrus?

Cabinda: Neither

 If you could spend the day with any celebrity, who would it be?

Cabinda: Leonardo Dicaprio

What was the last movie you went to the theater and saw?

Cabinda: All eyez on me

In the Mountains or on a Beach?

Cabinda: Beach