PC's Jacobs signs with Arkansas-Monticello
In his three seasons as Parkers Chapel's quarterback, Caleb Jacobs was one of the most explosive players in the state regardless of class.
Now he will be taking his ability to improvise on the fly to Arkansas-Monticello.
After verbally committing last week, Jacobs signed with UAM on Wednesday.
Although he was a quarterback in high school, a position change to either wide receiver or defensive back awaits Jacobs when he arrives on campus.
“When I went for my first visit, they were recruiting me more as a receiver. Then in the summer, it was more of a defensive back/receiver,” Jacobs said. “It just depends on what spot I most improve at.”
Regardless of where he winds up at, Jacobs said playing at quarterback will help ease the transition.
“The leadership role most importantly,” Jacobs said. “Being a quarterback, you've got to know what everyone does. On defense, it's usually the linebackers that are the QBs, but the safety has to know what other people are doing at the same time. At receiver, you can't just know your route, you've got to know what everyone else is running so you don't run into each other.”
When asked if he had a preference, Jacobs said all he wants to do is help out wherever he can.
“As long as I can get on the field. If I'm on special teams, I'm on special teams,” Jacobs said. “Just as where I can get some playing time in and get to where I can help UAM football where they need to go.”
Jacobs, who accounted for 38 touchdowns and over 3,200 yards of total offense rushing and passing, is looking forward to Saturdays in Monticello.
“The environment for UAM football is just crazy,” Jacobs said. “If you go to the games, I promise you'll agree with me. It's phenomenal. I've been to three or four of their football games, and just every time you step into the stadium, even at the tailgate, it's just crazy when you walk into UAM. It's one of a kind.”
Jacobs played for his father, Elliot, and he said he has learned much from him, even just from observing.
“You learn a lot from him throughout how many years that we've been together,” Jacobs said of his father. “It's one of a kind. It's crazy how much I've learned from him. The things I don't even ask about, just being around him so much and watching him, it just rubs off on you.”
The Parkers Chapel standout said he would like to study athletic training at UAM.
“Just somewhere I can still stay close to a field or a court,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs' senior year has been a banner one. As the Trojans' quarterback, Jacobs guided the Trojans to their first playoff win since 2010.
On the hardwood, Jacobs has played a vital role in Parkers Chapel 's run to the top of the 8-2A standings.
Once his basketball commitment ends, Jacobs will play baseball with the Trojans aiming for their second state title in the last three years.
“It's just the hard work, not just me putting it in, but everyone else has bought in to what we're trying to do at Parkers Chapel,” Jacobs said of the Trojans' success.
Although there are a few months left before Jacobs' career ends, there is no question he left a major imprint at Parkers Chapel, and he hopes someone will be aiming to top his numbers and accomplishments.
“I just hope that when I leave, a little kid that's been watching me and looks up to me and just says, ‘I will be better than you,'” Jacobs said. “I just want a younger athlete to excel.”