SORSN: This summer, you were involved in something that, at the very least, changes ones outlook on life. Jacob, will you describe for us what happened, the injuries that you suffered, and what all has been involved with the recovery?
Jacob: Well I don’t remember much of what happened just losing control of the truck, then seeing Coach O’Toole standing over me. I was blacking out most of the time. I fracture two vertebras in my back, separated my shoulder which required surgery, and fractured a rib and toe. My right ear got part way tore off and my head had to get staples.
Recovery mostly consisted of rest along with some physical therapy.
SORSN: Coming off an outstanding 2007 season, you were in the weight room hard this summer and were looking for an even better 2008 season. Obviously, the disappointment set in after realizing you would miss most of the season. However, you’ve battled back and returned to the grid iron last week against Oneida. Describe the feeling when you took the field for the first time this season.
Jacob: It was about the same as it has always been on the bus ride up there and the same through warm ups. But at kick off, I started getting a little excited and nervous..and by the time I was going to go in the game, my heart was pounding.
SORSN: When I spoke to you earlier in the season, you had already targeted the Oneida game as the game in which you needed to be back for. Amazingly, you accomplished that goal. Now, what goals do you set for yourself for the remainder of the season?
Jacob: I want to get stronger; I won’t be able to get back to what I was last year but close. Also I’ve set a goal of at least 5 sacks and just play as hard as I can.
SORSN: Experts suggest it only takes 2 weeks for one to lose any and all muscle tone that one has if you are unable to use that muscle. Tell us about the weight and strength loss that you witnessed first hand due to the accident.
Jacob: I lost about 20 lbs after the wreck but I’ve gained 10 of it back. I noticed how much weaker I am during the game when I had trouble wrestling down the full back on one play. I used to be able to take’m down a lot easier.
SORSN: Has “Coach” Cupcake offered you any of his personal weight training services?
Jacob: No he hasn’t..I guess he don’t care for me much cause I’m so much taller than him but Dayne Britt has told me that he would workout with me.
SORSN: Speaking of Cupcake, he is often heard referring to his “guns”. We didn’t realize he was such an avid gun enthusiast. Does he work at Frontier Firearms on Gallaher Road?
Jacob: No. He applied but they told him that to work there you had to be taller than the guns themselves.
Disclaimer: for those who have never seen the movie Napoleon Dynamite (which inspired Jacob’s nickname of