Opposing offensive players might not believe it, but Jackson Powell thinks he faces a sizable disadvantage on the football field.

Like, is there a weakness to his game as he prepares to launch his senior season?

"Being small," he says matter of factly. "I'm going up against some bigger guys on every down. It can be tough physically. I can really feel it on Saturday mornings."

Then again, Usain Bolt probably wants to work on his footwork, too.

Powell, Newbury Park High's stellar senior defensive end, tormented opponents last season with his scintillating combination of speed, agility and, yes, size.

Now there is more bad news for rivals. After a fully focused offseason, Powell has achieved his quest of bigger, faster, stronger.

Heading into the 2008 campaign, he's clocked 4.65 seconds in the 40-yard dash, bench-pressed 250 pounds, squatted 360 pounds and posted a vertical leap of 29 inches.

He's bulked up, too, adding about 15 pounds to his 6-foot-5 stature to measure in around 230 pounds.

No wonder, Powell is eager for the encore to last season, when Newbury Park finished 11-2, earned a share of the Marmonte League championship for the first time since 1998 and advanced to the semifinals in the CIF-Southern Section Northern Division playoffs.

"I'm excited," he said. "The key goal for us is to come back and win the league championship again. It's always a challenge in this league, but we're going to be a good team. I'm ready to go. I wish the season could start right now."

Newbury Park's coaches clearly are excited about Powell.

"He's a force," said coach Gary Fabricius. "With his speed and size, he's really difficult for offenses to control. Our defensive coordinator (Gil Mendoza) thinks he has as much potential as anyone he has ever coached."

Despite taking on the behemoths of the Marmonte League from his defensive end slot, Jackson savored a breakthrough campaign a year ago.

He stood tough against the run, notching 67 tackles, and prospered as a pass rusher, recording 11 sacks. He also displayed his versatility with one interception.

"I've got pretty good speed and agility," Jackson said. "I think my strength is attacking the ball and being aggressive.

"I do want to be a better pass rusher, so I'm working on techniques and using my hands."

Jackson's drive to thrive is shaped by physical gifts and a bountiful work ethic. Bloodlines play a role, too.

Jackson is the son of former USC All-American and five-time Pro Bowl player Marvin Powell, an offensive lineman with the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1977 to 1987.

His mother, Kristine, and father are divorced, with Marvin living in Florida. Though Jackson says he speaks to his father only infrequently, the lessons have been delivered.

"He tells me to play hard and play focused," said Jackson. "I've got to be ready to go hard on every play."

This fall, the 17-year-old Jackson is poised for a larger role with the Panthers.

He'll still line up at defensive end and go hand-to-hand with the league's array of outsized offensive lineman.

"It's a challenge when you're 230 pounds," he said. "I'm giving away pounds, but I like to use my speed and quickness."

Then, irony of ironies, Jackson is slated to take his turn on the other side of the ball and become an offensive lineman himself.

He, in fact, will likely play tackle just like his celebrated father.

"He's such a natural athlete, he could be a big help for us on the offensive line," said Fabricius.

Powell said he's there to help.

"However I can help the team," he said.

The senior is also geared up for his role as team leader.

"I'm not a yeller or anything like that," he said. "I'd like to think I point the way by working hard."

Though he's focused on team goals, Powell appears ready to make an important individual decision in the next couple of months.

Powell, ranked as the No. 61 defensive end in the nation by Scout.com, said he could make his college choice by October.

Pacific-10 entries Arizona and Washington are in the lead, though he has also been offered scholarships by California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, UNLV, Wyoming and San Diego State.

"I'll make my trips and make my decision," said Powell, who intends to major in plant science. "I'm looking forward to college football, but the first goal is to have a great senior year."