Oregon linebacker Jestin Jacobs says he wanted to play final season at dream school
Oregon did not extend a scholarship offer to Jestin Jacobs out of high school. A 4-star recruit from Clayton, Ohio, Jacobs was heavily recruited by the Big Ten contingent. Lots of schools from the Midwest. And he ultimately chose to stay close (ish) to home and sign with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
He redshirted as a freshman in 2019, played sparingly in 2020, and then stepped into a starting role in 2021. An injury suffered just two games into the 2022 campaign put him on the shelf for the rest of the year, during which he talked to his family about a change of scenery.
Jacobs entered the transfer portal on Dec. 6 and five days later announced his commitment to the Ducks.
Didn’t take long, but he didn’t need long.
“Honestly it was really my dream school since I was younger. I grew up a huge Oregon fan,” Jacobs told reporters on Saturday. “It’s a little odd being from Ohio, a lot of O-State fans there, so family wasn’t too happy about it but I’ve always been a big Oregon fan, always followed them. So, once I got the opportunity to come here, hopefully this is my last year, so I had to just take the opportunity.”
Jacobs lists Marcus Mariota and De’Anthony Thomas as favorite Ducks growing up. So, in that way, he’s not unlike most other football players in and around his class. Those Ducks made Oregon special. An entire generation grew up building dynasties with the Ducks on EA Sports’ NCAA 14.
Now, Jacobs is looking to earn a starting role and make his own mark on the program.
“Honestly, sometimes I sit back and look at the O, I’m walking around this place and I’m like, ‘Dang, I’m really at Oregon.’ I really started off dreaming of being able to come here and now I’m here. it’s just a great opportunity coming here, to be able to work. I just can’t take it for granted, I’m finally living out my dream. I’m finally a Duck. I’m just loving it so far.”
Jacobs says he feels “100%” is playing free. With Jeff Bassa likely to earn a starting spot, the departure of Keith Brown potentially opens the door for Jacobs to take the spot alongside Bassa. He’ll have to hold off Jamal Hill, Connor Soelle, and Devon Jackson.