SoCal LB gets first offer

Linebacker Jacob Driver (6-2, 210, 4.67) from Carlsbad (Calif.) La Costa Canyon already has one offer on the table and is getting an abundance of interest from schools coast-to-coast.

Driver was brought up to Varsity at the end of his freshman year, and never looked back. His sophomore year he was battling with juniors and and seniors for the starting spot, in the first two games of the season he started the game on the bench, but was quickly brought in both games, and was not replaced. By the third game he was named the starter, and has started every game since.

As a sophomore, Driver was an all league player, but that was just a precursor for things to come.

Driver was outstanding his junior season as he earned League Defensive Player of the Year, all-state and all-CIF San Diego County Section after accounting for 111 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hurries, seven quarterback knockdowns, five sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. On one of his fumble recoveries Driver scooped it up and ran 78 yards for a touchdown.

On the recruiting trail, San Diego State has offered Driver a scholie and send letters or emails almost every day.

"When I asked some tough questions about the direction of the program they set up meetings with the AD and the president of the university," Michael Driver Jacob's Dad said. "We were impressed to say the least. Jacob has been to San Diego State twice.

"Jacob is being recruited by the defensive coordinator Bob Elliott, but Jacob has also meet with coach Chuck Long two times.

San Diego State isn't the only school recruiting him. Other schools that after seeing his film have started dialog are UCLA, Colorado, Oregon State, Vanderbilt, , Cal, UNLV, UC Davis, New Mexico State and Duke.

Utah, Arizona State, Stanford, Washington State, Florida State, Georgia Tech, LSU, Michigan, and Princeton are other schools with interest.

Driver would like to take some unofficial visits this spring, but because of Lacrosse he has not been able to get out to many of the schools. Many colleges said they will be coming out to see Driver during spring ball, and some said they are going to come to a lacrosse game. He's been a varsity starter since his sophomore year on one of the best lacrosse teams on the west coast, but make no mistake, he's a football player.

"Jacob is one of the best linebackers to play in San Diego County in the last 10 years," La Costa Canyon coach Darren Brown said. "He understands and loves the game and is simply a ferocious and tenacious defender."

Driver's position coach Ryland Wickman had the following to say about Driver.

"Jacob's leadership skills are outstanding, and his football skills are even better," Wickman said. "He plays with an intensity that is unmatched, and his motor is always running.

"Jacob is big, fast and will do anything it takes to get to the ball. He is excellent at reading his keys and getting to where he needs to be on a particular play. His work ethic is second to none and contagious throughout the team.

"Jacob is as tough as they come, and never wants to leave the field. He has all the intangibles that are needed to play big time D-I football."

What is Driver looking for in a college?

"Jacob wants to stay on the West coast, as long as the right opportunity comes along," Michael Driver said. "He will get out and look at many schools, so he can find the best fit, both scholastically, and athletically."