2023 PFN Player Profile: Getting to know Glendale Slot/DB Jacob Lukehart
Tagged under: District 6, News, Player Previews
Billy Splain | July 29, 2023
Jacob Lukehart
Slot Receiver, Corner
Glendale
Class Of 2024
Jersey #34
HT/WT 5’10/150
3 interceptions and 2 TD’s junior year. One on a 62 yard run. The other a 40 yard pass.
Other sports Basketball, Baseball
Offensive player of the week, defensive player of the week. (The progress)
Twitter @LukehartJacob
Coach Trexler says ”
Why do you play football?
I play football because I feel free on the field. An important person in my life helped me realize throughout growing up that football is a way to block everything else out. Football is a way to express yourself and make unforgettable bonds. My teammates and I have grown up together and the bonds I’ve made through the game is a blessing. I play for my school. I want to put my school and community out there and get us recognized.
It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most?
I’m looking forward to the pregame locker room talks. You can almost feel the intensity in the room while everyone gets themselves mentally prepared to go to battle for 4 quarters of football. I also really like seeing the crowd of support and it feels good knowing so many people are in your corner.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
I look up to and have always had much respect for Larry Fitzgerald. He was a very humble player who had a great work ethic on and off the field. He tried to stay out of the spotlight throughout his career. These things are all what I strive to do. He helped me realize when I was a young kid that football is a sport that takes the entire team working together to achieve the ultimate goal. Winning a game takes everyone. Not just the 11 guys on the field, but the other players, coaches, trainers, and families. He has also created the Larry Fitzgerald Foundation to support education and breast cancer. Someday I would like to reach the goals he has.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
My favorite play was a big time interception my sophomore year against West Branch. The game was close and we needed a momentum shift. We were in man coverage and the reciever I was covering ran a post. I jumped it at just the right time to make a play on it.
What was last years season like for you?
To me, we fell short. I believe that our team last year worked together very well and had a strong bond. We managed to get into the playoffs after starting 0-4 and winning 5 of our next 6 games. I believe we had much more potential than where our season ended shows.
What are your goals for this coming season?
My goals are to enjoy every second of playing football because after my senior year, I’m unsure where life will take me. Nothing is ever guaranteed, so I need to take advantage of the time I have left and make an impact on this team by giving all of the knowledge I have to the players who have more years at Glendale. All players say they hope to win the title and win out through states, which applies to me also, but I want to enjoy every moment of being on the field most importantly.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
The best player I’ve ever lined up against was probably Cooper Keen of Bellwood. He made a great stiff arm on me for a touchdown my sophomore year. He was an all around great player. Blocking, catching passes, you name it he could do it.
What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?
Ohio State. I’m a big Ohio fan all-around.
What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?
Cleveland Browns
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
I have two. My favorite games all time were Giants vs Redskins and Giants vs Panthers, 2015 and 2018. Odell Beckham Jr and Josh Norman were arguably the two best players at their positions and watching them go at it was cool. The fighting was interesting to watch as well.
What sports movie would you watch every day if you had to pick one and why?
I like Home Team. It’s funny and I’ll always remember my first time watching it with all my teammates at football camp when we all camped out together a few days before our first scrimmage.
If your mom and dad are screaming at you from the stands, what is it they usually yell?
Mostly just supporting the team. They save their input for after the game and on the car rides home we discuss the things I need to improve and what I did well at.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
I’d like to throw a pass in a game. Just one. It’s very unlikely but maybe someday.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
I’d have to go with Ethan Cavalet, my former teammate. He graduated in 2022. When I was a freshman he sort of took me under his wing and helped me work out mistakes and get better. We always are up on a football field throwing the ball around and it really does make a difference in my game. We still go throw pretty much every week.
Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:
Hockey. I can’t even ice skate let alone play hockey, but it looks fun.
What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
Getting stiff armed by Cooper Keen. It made the front page of The Progress and I couldn’t ever live it down.
Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?
My gram. She is always calling me after the games asking how it went and what I did well. She can’t make it to many games but she wants me to fill her in on how it went after every one.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
Fishing. I love to bass and trout fish. It’s calming and really enjoyable.
What is your favorite football memory to date?
I’ll never forget the feeling of scoring my first touchdown. The crowd was so loud and my teammates all rushed over to celebrate with me.
What is your favorite play to run?
Reverses. They don’t always succeed, but when I have space to make a move I can rely on my speed and agility to get me wherever I need to go.
What scares you the most?
My mom when she is angry.
Music of choice:
Country.
What was your favorite gift as a little boy? Why?
I liked those Vortex footballs with the tails because you could throw them really far.
What restaurant is your go to when you need a big meal?
Joey’s in Houtzdale.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Clearwater, Florida.
Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?
I don’t remember the first game I saw but I do remember the first game I played in. We ended up winning and got hot dogs from the concession stands after.
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