James Joseph Whitney Sr.
September 15, 2009
Genevieve D. Carlos
September 17, 2009
Most highly touted prep football recruits wait until National Signing Day and hold a press conference to announce at which college they will play next season.
For H.L. Bourgeois senior defensive tackle Damien Jacobs, the confines of a high school pep rally Friday was the perfect setting to declare his commitment to Florida State University.
The 6-foot, 4-inch, 295-pound Braves lineman made his decision after spending Labor Day weekend attending the Miami Hurricanes-Florida State Seminoles game last Monday night with coaches and teammates.
“It was my second time there. I told (head) coach (Joe) Riley this was making me nervous. I had to make a decision,” Jacobs said. “After talking seriously with my family, the next day I said, ‘It’s done.'”
Although he spent time on the campus this summer for a football camp, the spectacle of a nationally televised game against an archrival helped pursue Jacobs to commit.
“A lot of kids need to see something like that – the atmosphere, the care coaches have for their players,” Riley said. “But it’s not just about football. It’s about getting his degree and then football.”
Jacobs also liked the way the coaching staff treated their players as they prepared for such an important game.
“The biggest thing I wanted to see was how the defensive coaches interacted with their players because that’s how I will be interacting with them,” he said. “I was satisfied because the defensive coach (Mickey Andrews), coach Bobby Bowen, coach Jimbo Fisher, they’re serious about their job.”
The 18-year-old said his parents, Verlin Jacobs and Clara Perkins, were excited about his choice more because they knew how much playing college football means to him.
“It’s an opportunity not too many people have,” Jacobs explained.
“It’s a dream I’ve had since I started playing football at eight years old.”
Last season, Jacobs was selected to the All-District and All-Region 1st Team and All-State honorable mention. He recorded 88 total tackles – 65 solo – and 11 sacks.
Riley, Braves defensive coordinator Cory Adkins and defensive line coach Robert Miller always felt Florida State was the right fit for Jacobs’ skills and playing style.
The Seminoles want defensive linemen who can explode up field at the snap of the ball and not worry about shooting through the gaps of the opposing offensive line.
While most colleges recruit taller, undersized linemen and bulk them up once they arrive, the Seminoles prefer to have linemen who are already hefty, according to Riley.
“They like kids that are already strong and 300 pounds. The coaches can just work on their technique and getting them faster,” he said.
“(Florida State coaches) told me they keep having these undersized tackles and they want more meat on the line that can move like I can,” Jacobs said. “I know if I go in and work hard, it will be a great opportunity for me to get some playing time as a true freshman.”
Another reason Riley thought Florida State was a good choice is the university felt like a home away from home and would help Jacobs’ transition to college.
“They have a psychiatrist that evaluates each player. If a kid has a problem, they might have to call his parents or coaches and say, ‘How do I reach this guy?'” Riley said. “Their coaches will treat Damien like we treat him – like family.
“I hope he goes there and thrives because he has the chance to do something special one day,” Riley added.
Jacobs is the 15th recruit from the Class of 2010 to commit to Florida State. He can’t sign an official national letter of intent until Feb. 3, 2010, at the earliest, so other schools could still try to convince him to play for them.
For now, Jacobs seems settled on playing for the Seminoles.
“I’m not going to rule it out,” he said. “It’s always possible, but right now it’s a strong commitment.”
