OL target Jacob Hood breaks down relationship with Georgia
Is Jacob Hood one of the answers for Georgia?
The search for offensive line commits continues in Athens, and there are few targets bigger on the list, literally or figuratively, than Nashville-based tackle Jacob Hood for Georgia.
At 6-foot-8 and almost 350 pounds, the senior just spent the weekend on campus with the Bulldogs, and the trip matched Hood’s already lofty expectations.
RECAPPING ATHENS
“I took my official not too long ago, and that was a great experience,” Hood said. “I really enjoyed my time up there, and then I went down there last weekend. To be honest, I had one of the best times of my life.”
Connecting with the entire Bulldogs family was the highlight.
“It was fun being able to talk to all the coaches and seeing their families and having their family interact with my family was amazing,” Hood said of Georgia.
The staff in Athens has been a major seperator early on, as well.
“Having such a great coaching staff and them having been together for good amount of time is great, and they have put guys into the NFL,” Hood said. “They’re also close to home. I have family in Georgia, and it’s not too far from Tennessee, so it’s great.”
GEORGIA STANDING OUT TO HOOD
Though he’s got a top list of schools out, Hood’s focus looks to be narrowing quickly.
“I would say Georgia, Miami, Florida (are standing out),” Hood said.
Is there a slight edge in Athens, though?
“I will say I talk to Georgia’s staff the most out of any coaches recruiting me. We’re really tight,” Hood said.
That’s especially true where his potential future positional coach is concerned.
“I feel like, at this point, Coach [Matt] Luke is one of the most coaches I talked to throughout the whole college league,” Hood said of Georgia. “Being able to have that connection with him and have that connection with Eddie [Gordon, offensive assistant] is only going to build if I commit to Georgia.”
It’s not just about communication either.
Hood is impressed with Luke’s approach to preparing his offensive line unit, as well.
“I was watching one of the practices, and he really cares more about technique in developing the player,” Hood said. “I like a coach to help develop me, not just for college, but help me develop for that next level, NFL. That’s one of the things that stood out to me.”
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HURRICANE WARNING?
Further down south, Miami is making a strong push, and several Canes greats has been out to aid in the efforts.
“Being able to see and talk to just like Calais Campbell and Josh Phillips from Miami, and being able to talk to so many other big guys that have already made it to where I’m trying to be at, really inspired me to keep pushing,” Hood said of his trip to see the Canes.
Seeing the former greats come out to support was definitely eye-catching, as well.
“It was really inspiring. They were talking about how great it was with Miami, and they really talked it up a lot,” Hood said. “They made me feel like if Miami reaches their peak again, that might be a great choice for me.”
DECISION TIMELINE AND PROCESS
While he’s yet to lock in a firm date, Hood has a window in mind when he could announce his commitment.
“It was either late August or early September,” he said.
He’s taking several factors into account, as well.
“Hopefully, I won’t be too homesick to not be able to play away from home. Being able to have my mom come see me play is a big part of my decision, because she is one of my biggest supporters,” he said.
And look for his support system to be a major factor in the ultimate decision.
“Definitely Mom’s a big part of it. Any program that’s going to not just help me but help my family is really the thing that stands out to me,” Hood said.
