Camps covered, Iowa State official in the works for Florida CB Jakobe Campbell
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Something is developing at Zephyrhills High School (Fla.) and Jakobe Campbell (6-0, 180) is a big part of the scene. The Bulldogs posted a 9-4 record last fall with a defense focused on picking off passes. The team had four players swipe three or more with Campbell in that mix. Five programs have extended next level opportunities to Campbell with an official visit in the works once the 2023 college football season kicks off.
A multi-sport athlete, Campbell was all over the field during his junior campaign contributing on both sides of the ball. On offense, he secured 18 passes for 196 yards with three scores, carried the rock four times for 22 yards, and put an end to 23 plays. Over the spring months, Campbell punched his ticket to state in the triple jump flying 44 feet, 7 inches.
The athleticism will once again be highlighted on defense and offense this fall.
“You’ll see me some at slot, wide out, and definitely at corner,” Campbell stated.
Asked which position he prefers at the next level, Campbell shared, “Corner is my focus. Some college coaches see me as a nickelback as well, a strong safety kind of.”
Jakobe Campbell competing at TheShow.
Preparing for his senior run, extra work is being done this summer.
“I am working on holding my leverage in off-man, trying to stay on top of routes in zone if I have deep zone or quarters, being more aggressive at the line, and getting my hands on receivers,” Campbell said.
What the Bulldogs are running on the back of the defense was explained, “We run a cloud coverage, one coverage on one side and one on the other depending on the receivers.”
The teams wanting those skills on their roster as part of the 2024 class includes Akron, Edward Waters, Florida International, UNC Pembroke, and Iowa State with North Dakota State and South Florida showing interest.
The Bulls got the local product on campus this offseason.
“I went to a USF practice, we went inside, took photos, and did a tour,” Campbell shared. “USF is really nice. I like what they are building. I like their indoor facilities. They are the hometown team, and they are getting an on-campus stadium soon.”
South Florida got to see Campbell in action twice this summer.
“I went to USF’s mega camp and USF’s 7-on-7 camp,” Campbell stated. “It went really well. I only lost one rep all day. I talked to some coaches there; I talked to North Dakota State. That camp went really well especially in the one-on-one portion.”
An Ames official visit is a strong possibility.
“I have been in talks with Iowa State, they want to get me up for a visit this fall for a game-day,” Campbell said. “I am excited for that.”
The Cyclones’ staff is recruiting Campbell and his family.
“We have a good relationship,” Campbell shared. “Their coach, coach (Hank) Poteat (CB), has my mom’s number, my coach’s number, and my number. He has talked to all of us and keeps in touch.”