Jacob Hardin '21 Recruiting Profile

Sports have always had a major impact on my life, ever since I was 5 years old. At the age of 5, I played my first sport, which was flag football. I was immediately taken away by the feeling of teamwork, pride, and self-motivation. I have been blessed with all of the opportunities that I have had success in with football, basketball, soccer, and track.  

As a Freshman at Island Coast High school, I made the varsity football team and was a starter at wide receiver and punter. It was a rough first year of high school. Our team did not have a lot of success but we remained strong as a team and had goals put in place each week. I learned a great deal with my transition into high school,  both on and off the field. 

In the spring of 2018, I played on a travel football team named Cape Silver. We had an excellent team and had a lot of fun. Some of my highlights for the spring season included a 4 touchdown game against Port Charlotte in which I caught two scores and ran for two others (I ended up with nearly 300 all-purpose yards) and I had a game-winning touchdown catch a few weeks later against Fort Myers, along with several other catches totaling near 120 yards receiving and 55 yards rushing. 

Last year I competed on my school's track team for the first time and almost made it to regionals in the high jump. I also ran the 100 and 300-meter hurdles. Every day I continue to work hard in the weight room for strength training and with agility training on the field. I continue to reach the goals that I achieve for myself. These goals are set to help the team and set me in the right direction, with playing sports at the next level.  

In the off-season leading up to my junior year, I have prepared myself both mentally and physically for this season. I attended the Nextgen showcase, The Opening Combine and the Rivals Combine. In the spring game, my team competed well and I ended up with 5 catches for nearly 100 yards in the spring game.  Over the summer I attended several camps to include; Florida International, Prime Elite, University of South Florida, and Ave Maria University.  I had great showings at each camp attended.

My junior football season was an up and down season for the team but we kept fighting each week. I was a starter at wide receiver and punter. I also spent time doing some kickoffs, extra points, field goals, and cornerback. I consider my teammates as my family and will always support each one of them. I finished the year with 18 catches for 243 yards and 3 TDs. I also won wide receiver of the year honors for our team. 

My junior season with track was cut short due to the pandemic outbreak but our team was able to compete in 3 meets. I competed very well in the high jump, 300-meter hurdles, and 4x200 relay. I also competed for the first time on the weight lifting team. 

In the offseason so far I am set to play in the NUC All-American game on December 27-30 in Panama City, Florida. Additionally, I received an invite and will be attending the 2020 World Bowl National Combine being held at the NFL Pro Bowl. 

Since, the pandemic hit, my spring season was canceled but I have still continued to work out six days a week with weights, speed and agility. 

I have been fortunate enough to have had my dad by my side, encouraging me to work hard and set goals for myself. My dad has been the biggest influence on my life with sports. I have been lucky to have had him as my football coach for 7 years, during my pop Warner time. I have acquired a vast about of knowledge regarding in and outs of what it takes to be successful both on and off the field. I am continuing to absorb experiences and knowledge that will make me successful at the high school level and beyond.

Before my high school days,  as an 8th grader at, Caloosa Middle School,  I received a male athlete of the year of my school and I was the MVP of my school's basketball team. I have also been apart of several winning football teams in Pop Warner, with the Cape Jr organization. One, in particular, was when my Cape Jr Marlins team, back in 2015, came within one win of playing for the Pop Warner Super Bowl at Disney. It was a special time that my teammates and I shared. We created memories that will last a lifetime. 

Besides athletics, I have worked hard in the classroom. I have maintained good grades by doing the work expected of me and pushing myself to be the best I could be.  At the end of my junior year I have a weighted GPA of 4.02 and maintained straight A's all year.  I plan on continuing my success in the classroom throughout my senior year and I hope to be a role model for my teammates and classmates. 

I have learned how important teamwork is and how committed one needs to be, to have success. I have always strive to be a leader for my teammates both on and off the field. I tried to lead by example and show how one must conduct themselves. I am looking for a program at the next level, that is the best fit for me both academically and athletically.  I firmly believe that I have what it takes to play at the college level. I know I would be an asset to any program or school through my work-ethic, character, and leadership skills.