From California to Arkansas, 2025 three-star ATH Jakob Coleman is getting job done
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A breakout sophomore season with Orange High School (Cali.) was meant to be a showcase season with the Trinity League’s Orange Lutheran, but a parental move now has Jakob Coleman working his magic against Arkansas competition. No matter the place, time zone, or the opposition, Coleman is getting it done on the gridiron.
Earning that athlete label with the Orange Panthers, Coleman (5-9, 170) racked up 71 tackles playing safety while hauling in seven passes for 81 yards with two scores posted. Two games into his junior season with his new squad, Little Rock’s Joe T. Robinson, Coleman is continuing his do-all nature on the field.
“Right now, I am playing free safety, outside receiver, slot receiver, and I am returning kicks,” Coleman stated.
Coleman spoke about the Senators’ offense run by Quentin Murphy Jr., “We are a Spread offense. We have a dynamic quarterback, and we have a lot of speed. In our offense, we have a lot of speed options, a lot of reads, and RPOs (run-pass option).”
The Senators’ defense was also covered, “We have a two-high look with five DBs on the field at all times – a strong safety, free safety, a rover, and two cornerbacks. Our base is a 3-4.”
The differences in his play on the field from the 2022 season to this fall were laid out, “I see improvement in my speed and in my physicality. Last year I wasn’t making the same hits or making the big plays but after working on my feet and with the development of my body I am. I’ve been getting on the speed machine with my uncle. I also plan on running track this year, that will help me in my development.”
Ten college programs have handed Coleman scholarship opportunities. Which position he will suit up at once at the next level is still wide open.
“As of right now, I haven’t found a primary position yet,” Coleman stated. “I am being recruited as an athlete; I am not planning on making that decision until my senior year.”
UNLV, Memphis, Colorado State, Georgia Southern, Liberty, Tennessee State, San Jose State, and Arkansas State are among the offering teams. The schools showing interest and building recruiting bonds were shared.
“San Diego State, Fresno State, Duke, and I just received an invite to Jackson State for their game on Saturday,” Coleman said.
Had the move not taken place, Coleman would have likely been at Snapdragon Stadium for the Aztecs’ opener against Ohio.
“I haven’t taken any game-day visits yet,” Coleman stated. “That was the big thing, San Diego State and Fresno State are in California; had I stayed, it would have been easier for me to visit them. It is harder to get me down there now, but those visits are coming.
“Jackson State, they invited me a couple of hours ago. I want to get to San Diego State for sure, and San Jose State has been on me. UNLV, their safeties coach, coach (Damon) Magazu, I am building a bond there. They just had a big win over Vanderbilt.”
The relationship with the Aztecs’ staff was updated.
“I have been talking to their director of recruiting a bunch,” Coleman shared. “They are trying to get me down there to visit the school so I can see what they are about. I was supposed to go to their home opener, but I couldn’t make it; there was not enough time. Their quarterbacks coach, he came to see me when I was at Orange Lutheran. That is when they first got on me.”
There is a family draw to Fresno State for Coleman.
“I have a cousin that goes there, he plays safety, and one of my other cousins just transferred from there to Alabama A&M,” Coleman stated. “Fresno State gives me a home vibe. Everyone likes it up there. An Orange High School offensive lineman I played with my freshman year is there now. I know a lot of people up there.”
The Bulldogs have competition in the family feel department, and Arkansas State is a short drive from Little Rock.
“That is a solid relationship,” Coleman said. “I talk to their coaches every couple of weeks. When I was there, the whole staff was there; that was a family feel. My uncle is one of the leading (all-time) receivers there, Dwyane Frampton; it is like home there. That kind of influenced my decision to move to Arkansas to be home with the family.”
BEYOND THE INTERVIEW
Putting on the helmet and shoulder pads at the varsity level in two different states, Coleman was asked about the difference between California and Arkansas high school football.
“The differences, there is a lot more down south, and everyone is bigger,” Coleman said. “We have an indoor facility; I had never seen a high school with an indoor facility before. The similarities, the receivers and DBs are the same, and everyone is skilled. There is not much of a difference. Playing against the Trinity League guys in 7-on-7 tournaments, California might be a little faster, but everyone can ball for real.”