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 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Jacob Hester, FB
by Paul Hopkins
16/3/2008
Jacob Hester is seen as a jack of all trades, and really, a master of none. Despite this, he is believed to have something that will make him a success in the professional game.
During Senior Bowl week, Hester rose to prominence and grabbed the attention of NFL personnel, as Mike Nolan explained. To get the endorsement from Nolan that he would recommend Hester to anyone, and even take him himself, shows that Hester offers a lot to teams.
 “Sometimes you’re hoping a guy is that kind of guy when you really don’t know,” Nolan said. “But what I’ve seen in college of him, a couple of things tell me that he will be that guy. Number one, I believe he was a key player on the national championship team. I would be shocked if he’s not a damn good NFL player for that reason alone. I don’t care what they say, I’ll be shocked if he’s not a damn good NFL player.”
But what is that? The Diner has studied Hester and, in terms of measurables, there isn’t a great deal. But, and this is a big but, the intangibles are there. Put everything together, along with his heart, determination and attitude to playing the game and Hester is a big-time college player who you would not doubt can transfer this to the NFL.
Hester’s finest season came in his senior year. Already established from his freshman, sophomore and junior years as a receiving and rushing tailback, who was also a major contributor on special teams, Hester came into his own and became an emotional leader for the Tigers’ charge to the National Championship.
He was the starting tailback in his senior year, rushing 225 times for 1103 yards and 12 touchdowns, including 14 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. This is no mean feat, when you consider that Hester shared the ball with four others.
Hester looks like a player from a bygone age, and certainly plays like one. His attitude and work ethic are second to none, and he is a player that you root to succeed. Coaches, team-mates and fans love him, and whilst some, like Mike Nolan see him as someone with a long career in the pro’s, others see him as unadrafted free agent who will achieve no more than back-up in his career.
What we like about Hester
 Hester is fearsomely tough and hard-working who leads by example through his 100% effort. He is incredibly versatile, a good runner from tailback, a pretty solid blocker who is also able to force his way through the hole on short yardage situations.
Jacob always does his job to the best of his abilities and pays full attention to the game. Consequently his route running is excellent, and he has strong hands. He rarely fumbled the ball in college. Despite what people say, he has good speed in the short game, and can surprise people.
In addition to all of this, Hester is an outstanding special teamer, and should be able to contribute from the first game of the 2008 season.
Question marks over Hester
Hester appears to be too slow to be a running back, but lacks the size and strength needed to be a full back. Whilst people undoubtedly love his attitude, there is a feeling that he simply is not strong or powerful enough to be a major force in the professional game.
As we’ve previously said, the biggest flaw with Hester is not that he cannot do anything. He is very versatile and can do it all. Just that he does not do any one thing exceptionally well to stand out.
Highlight of his college career
Aside from the National Championship win, Hester’s finest moment came in the clash against the then National Champions, Florida in his senior season. Hester rushed for 106 yards, his first 100 yard game and the game-winning touchdown on 23 carries. In recognition of this Hester was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week, the Sporting News National Player of the Week and the CBS Player of the Game.
Other snippets
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He is also the third cousin of former Pittsburgh Steeler QB and Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw.
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Married his wife Katie Tilley in July 2007 after proposing outside War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas moments after LSU’s 31-26 win over the Razorbacks in 2006.
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Majoring in sports studies.
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