LB Rankings: Jestin Jacobs

October 16, 2021 CFB Saturdays Staff

Last Updated: 12/13/2022

With the season underway players have had the opportunity to raise their stock and move up the rankings. Before we jump into Jestin Jacobs, here’s a few reminders about the rankings themselves:

The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football LB rankings here.

Former Iowa linebacker, Jestin Jacobs thrived for the Hawkeyes in 2021. Jacobs was a play-maker for an Iowa defense that was the strength of the team. As a sophomore he tallied 53 tackles with 0.5 tackles for loss, 1 fumble forced, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups and a QB hurry. He was hurt early in his junior season and only appeared in two games. Jacobs has the talent to be a star, but missed most of the 2022 season with an injury.

Jacobs is a wonderful athlete at the linebacker position. He moves with an ease and flows to the football. Jacobs is able to cut off ball carriers as they try to hit the edge and make plays from sideline to sideline. He has the speed and explosiveness to close on the play but also has the change of directions skills and fluidity to succeed in coverage. Jacobs is able to match-up one on one with most tight ends and can cover backs out of the back field and slot receivers. He has the athletic profile to do it all for a modern college football defense.

Unlike most athletic linebackers, Jacobs has the size and frame to play in the box as well. He is 6’4″ 236 lbs and can disengage blockers with his length and keep himself free to make the tackle. Jacobs has the strength to hold up against power running plays and is comfortable making plays in traffic. His length helps him take on blockers, grab ball carriers while he is still fighting through blocks and helps him make plays in coverage. With an ideal frame and his elite athleticism Jacobs is a match-up problem for offenses that are used to creating mismatches of their own.

Jestin Jacobs looks the part of a modern linebacker and plays with the fluidity and range to match. He is a diverse player who excels in coverage or in the box against the run and does not need to come off the field in any down and distance. He continued to work on his technique and play recognition, but he was emerging as a sophomore for Iowa. Jacobs will make the move to Oregon, hoping a new beginning will help him to bounce back and continue to progress as a player.

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