2025 PFN Player Preview: Getting to Know Slippery Rock Rocket’s OL/DL-Jacob “BIG JAKE” Reich

Tagged under: District 10, News, Player Previews

Daniel Reed | June 29, 2025

Jacob Reich
Slippery Rock Rockets
Class Of: 2026
Position(s): OL/DL
Jersey Number: #68
Ht: 5’11 – Wt: 245lbs
Other Sports: Wrestling
Notable Awards or Recognitions: National Honors Society
Offer Sheet: None at the moment
Twitter: @Jacob__Reich
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COACH SAYS: Jacob is a 2 year starter on both the offensive and defensive line, and will be a 4 year letter winner. He continues to get better every day. He has really stepped up as a leader this offseason, taking some of the underclassmen under his wing. Jacob’s off-season this year has been his best yet. He workouts with the team during the week and then goes to a private lifting session every Sunday. This hard work is going to be fun to watch this coming season.

GETTING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BIG JAKE:

What is the best part of being a student-athlete for the Rockets ?
The atmosphere

Why do you play football ?
I love the game and how it requires 100% of everyone’s effort.

How long have you been playing football(any level) ?
7 years

It’s GameDay !! What are you looking forward to the most ?
I look forward to assisting the team in any way possible.

Of all the road games you have played, which stadium had the best overall atmosphere, along with what made it so good ?
Grove City, because of the rivalry.

If the game is on the line, do you want to be on offense or defense ? Explain:
Offense, first to score to obtain or keep the lead, then defense to secure the win.

As an athlete, what has been your biggest achievement ?
Starting on the offensive and defensive line as a Sophomore.

What was the high point of the 2024 season ?
The win against Mercer.

What are your goals for the 2025 season ?
More pancakes, more QB pressures and more sacks.

What are you going to miss the most from the class of 2025 ?
How they could always make practice fun.

Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like the most, and why ?
Austin McFarland, he pushed me to my limit during my Sophomore year.

Who is your favorite sports star and why ?
Brian Dawkins, because of his mentality.

Do you have a favorite play you remember the most ? Explain:
The Big Jake from youth. I’d go under center and run a QB sneak.

Who is the best player(s) you have ever lined up against and what team did they play for ?
Offensive lineman from Hickory.

What stadium, (HS/College/Pro) would you love to visit for a game ?
Penn State during a white-out game.

What is your favorite Pro Sports team(any sport) ? Explain:
Steelers, since I’m from PA and my dad’s from Pittsburgh, I grew up liking the Steelers.

What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why ?
Patriots v. Falcons, Super-Bowl in 2017.

What sports movie could you watch every day if you had to pick one, and why ?
The Blind Side, because it’s about the upbringing of a star lineman.

Name one thing you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
Get a pick-six.

Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:
Hockey

What is your most embarrassing sports moment ?
One time Freshman year, I was knocked to the ground, I tried to roll backward straight back to my feet, but I didn’t go far enough so it looked like I was hit so hard my feet went above my head.

When you aren’t playing, practicing, or training for sports, what is your go to activity, and why ?
Lifting for fun. I love pushing my limits and bettering myself.

Which one, Sheetz, Wawa, or Rutters ? Explain:
Sheetz, always a good spot to hang out after an event.

What is your favorite vacation destination ?
Siesta Key in Florida.

If you were handed a lot of money, what would be the first thing you would do with it ?
I would buy an NFL team.

Tell us something that you have a fear of ?
Missing out on a season due to an injury.

Favorite Fast Food/Burger place and why ?
Ginger Hill in Slippery Rock. Amazing local spot with great food.

Have you ever been to a professional sports game, which ones ?
Been to some Penguin games along with the Pirates.

NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAAF, NFL, Which league is the best and why ?
NFL, because of my love for football.

What is your favorite video game, on mobile and or console ?
Call of Duty on Xbox

What toppings go on your favorite pizza ?
Bacon, Sausage and Pepperoni

Favorite School Subject ?
Science

Favorite Band/Musician ?
Alice In Chains

Airplane, Boat, or Vehicle(motorcycles included), how would you travel and to where ?
I would travel to the new autobahn style road in Texas in a brand new Corvette.

Name one thing in life(NOT SPORTS RELATED) you would like to achieve:
Being able to start a family and buy a house by 35.

Location you think would be the best place to live(ie: island, mountains, city, etc) ? Explain why:
The mountains with a small town, small community yet secluded. Tight community yet feels like your alone.

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