Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Jakobi Smith: Football is everything to me. I started playing football my junior year of high school and fell in love. That was also the last time I played baseball after playing since the age of five. I just love the game. I believe the football field is where I belong, it’s my home, my sacred place.
Joe Gaiter: Tell me about your season this year?
Jakobi Smith: The season went as I expected. I started all games, the O-line dominated this season. We had one of the best coaching staffs, won the division, Conference, and Bowl. We are Champions. I always knew my senior year was going to be my best year.
Joe Gaiter: How hungry are you to make the NFL?
Jakobi Smith: I’m hungry for it. Matter of fact, I’m starving to make the NFL.
Joe Gaiter: Are you coachable player?
Jakobi Smith: Yes, I’m very coachable. It’s an important attribute to have in life in general, not just in football. What it all comes down to is your desire to grow and to get better everyday. To learn from your mistakes and make the necessary changes to prevent them from happening again.
Joe Gaiter: Have you reached your peak?
Jakobi Smith: I’m still young. I haven’t reached my peak, but I’m closing in. There’s definitely more room to grow.
Joe Gaiter: What are your keys in playing your position?
Jakobi Smith: The keys in playing my position are studying film, and executing techniques. You must also be able to notify and recognize fronts, the hands of the DL, the position of the LB, what the DLs and LBs best moves and counters are. You must be aware of how do they play the run and pass.
Joe Gaiter: What do you feel is your strength and weakness on the field?
Jakobi Smith My strengths are my power, speed, physicality, mental preparation and techniques. I’m normally quiet on the field so I’d say my weakness is being a vocal leader during play
Joe Gaiter: Do you have a backup if you don’t get drafted?
Jakobi Smith You must have a backup plan. Football is not a sport you can play 20 or 30 years. Moreover, life often throws curve balls so you must be ready and plan for every detour.
Joe Gaiter: What would you tell yourself if you could go back to your freshman year?
Jakobi Smith I would have told myself to not be so insecure. To step up and not be afraid to lead. To express myself more vocally.
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you chose them?
Jakobi Smith My agent is Seth Needleman. When I sat down and talked with him, it felt like family and I’m a big family person. I believe our proday is set for March 27th.
Joe Gaiter: Where and how often are you training?
Jakobi Smith I’m training at Impact Sports six days a week.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Jakobi Smith: I want people to see me as a humble beast. To be among the best to ever play on the field, To be known for the positive impact I had on lives off the field as well. I want my legacy to be a person who made a difference, on and off the field. Wherever I step, I’d like to leave a footprint.
