Jake Walton will take his Coatesville experience to Sacred Heart. @jakewalton87 @Football_Cville
Tagged under: District 1, News
Billy Splain | August 29, 2020
The Coatesville program, led by coach Ortega, is no stranger to D1 recruits. This year is no different than any other. With offers coming from RMU, Bryant and Duquesne, Lineman Jake Walton decided to stay closer to home. The 6’4” 290 pound offensive guard announced today on twitter that he’s heading to Sacred Heart after his senior year.
Committed! #GoPioneers 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/kiPmT9u5Xu
— Jake Walton (@jakewalton87) August 29, 2020
Here’s what went into that decision:
PFN: How long have you played football? *
Jake: I’ve been playing football since 8th grade, so this year would be my 5th year.
PFN: Why did you choose to commit to the Pioneers? *
Jake: I committed to SHU because they offered multiple programs in which I’m interested in majoring in. SHU also has a great football program with an offense that loves to run the ball and they have a great offensive line.
PFN: Why commit early/commit to them? *
Jake: I committed before my senior season because right now, I’m not even sure if I’m going to have one. Chesmont postponed our season indefinitely and I don’t know if I’ll get an opportunity to put together much senior film.
PFN: Who was your biggest influence at Sacred Heart, who recruited you? *
Jake: Coach Saporito, the SHU recruiting coach for my area, texted me all the time and made his point clear that they really wanted me up there and that I fit their offense perfectly. I also talked to their offensive line and head coach often as well.
PFN: What are they getting in player like you? *
Jake: is getting a lineman who is going to be aggressive on every snap and bully the guy across from me the entire game. They’re also getting a National Honor Society student who’s going to get work done in the classroom just as well as I will on the field.
PFN: What was the recruiting process like for you? *
Jake: The recruiting process was unique, especially with the Covid 19 pandemic from preventing visits and camps.
PFN: How did the Covid 19 pandemic affect your decision? *
Jake: 19 affected my decision and recruiting process by not allowing me to go on visits on see any of the schools that were recruiting me. Only thing I could do is take virtual tours. It also sped up my recruiting process because there were less scholarships being given out to kids.
PFN: What position were you recruited for? *
Jake: Offensive Line, I will most likely play guard.
PFN: Do you know what you’d like to study? *
Jake: I’m looking to major in Computer Science.
PFN: What role did your parents play in your decision? *
Jake: My mom made sure I picked a good academic school that would put me on track to land a good job after I graduate.
PFN: What do you think is the most exciting thing about the Pioneers program? *
Jake: SHU loves to run the ball and they have two stud running backs up there at the moment and I can’t wait to be a part of that offense.
PFN: What are you most looking forward to while playing for the Sacred Heart? *
Jake: I’m looking forward to hopefully winning an NEC Championship during my time at SHU.
PFN: Tell everyone out there in the football world something they’d never know about you until you told them: *
Jake: I hated offensive line up until 10th grade. I wasn’t great at it and I wanted to be a TE. I gave up that dream when I realized I could be a great offensive lineman if I put a good bit of weight on and worked on my technique constantly.
PFN: Who is the person who most influenced you in your football career? *
Jake: Coach Bonner, my former offensive line coach. He pushed me everyday to be the best player I could be and helped me get to where I’m at right now.
PFN: What is it you’d like all your high school teammates and fans to know about your decision that you might have a hard time saying in person? *
Jake: Something I’d like all my teammates and fans to know about my decision is that I picked a school that seemed to match the atmosphere of Coatesville. The Coatesville students and community packed the stadium every Friday night and playing in front of the crowd there felt surreal. I’m hoping that the Chesmont officials allow us seniors to experience that feeling one more time and let us play our season.
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