College recruiters knew the potential Jacobe Wing of Benedictine before even starting a game for the Cadets, as the forward picked up offers from Boston College and Minnesota before becoming a 2021 BC sophomore standout.
Anchoring the right side of the line as a tackle, where he protected the rising senior quarterback Lucas KromenhoekThe 4-star prospect committed to Florida State, Ward helped lead Benedictine to its second consecutive Class 4A state title as a sophomore.
The 6-foot-2, 335-pounder earned first-team All-Greater Savannah honors last season – he seemingly improved with every photo he took. Already on the radar of the nation’s top college programs, Ward’s recruiting exploded in the offseason as he received offers from Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas and Virginia Tech, among others.
LSU’s offer in April was a turning point in his recruitment, Ward said.
“I was shocked when I received this. I got a message on Twitter and I was talking to the offensive coordinator and he offered me,” Ward said. “My recruiting skyrocketed after that and I started to believe I could get an offer from any program in the country.”
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His confidence grew after a trip to Tuscaloosa in June, where he met with Alabama coach Nick Saban and received an offer from the Crimson Tide.
“It was crazy to meet Nick Saban and have one of the greatest coaches of all time watch me take reps against some of the best players in the country,” Ward said. “I had to beat those guys to show Saban who was the best, and that gave me a morale boost.”
Ward said he has improved his footwork, speed, strength and ability to stay on his blocks and is determined to stay focused despite living the chaotic life of a blue-chip recruit.
“I grew up wanting to live this kind of lifestyle and now it’s happening,” Ward said.
BC coach Danny Britt said he feels blessed to have the chance to coach a player like Ward in the final two years of his high school career.
“I’m not surprised by his recruitment because he has that size that you just can’t teach to go along with his strong work ethic,” Britt said. “And Jacobe has really improved with his flexibility and movement. I know his dad is a big Alabama fan – so he was excited to get that offer. He has the ability to play college ball anywhere.”
Trevor Coleman, the Cadet offensive line coach, is known for his ability to develop a cohesive unit – and he knows how special it is to have Ward anchoring the line.
“He’s obviously huge, just a huge kid,” Coleman said. “But when a lot of athletes get to that size, it’s a detriment to their ability to move, especially laterally. But Jacobe has such good feet and a center of gravity. I’ve said this before – I think he has the potential and skills to play in the NFL someday if he continues to work hard and strive.”
Ward said he’s focused on keeping his nose steady.
“I’m going out with the same mindset because this is an important year for me,” Ward said. “And as a team, we’re focused on trying to win another championship. We have to take it one step at a time and let it all happen.”
Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN
This article originally appeared in the Savannah Morning News: Benedictine offensive lineman Jacobe Ward receives offers from Alabama and LSU
