Name: Jacob Depew
Position (s): FS/WR
Height/ Weight: 5'10" 175 LBS
GPA: 3.4
Jersey Number: 3
School & Class: Pennsbury '27
Key Stats: 77 Tackles, 6 PBUs, 3 TFLs, 2 INTs
Awards: N/A
Hudl link: Jacob Depew
Favorite NFL team: Steelers
Quote from the Coach: “Jacob Depew is playing a pivotal role for us on defense and has done an outstanding job leading by example. His hard work, toughness, and commitment have set the standard for those around him. He has also taken younger players under his wing, helping them develop both on and off the field. We are excited to see him continue to grow as a leader and make a major impact on our defense this season"
What’s your proudest moment on the football field, this season or in your career?
Fumbling Neshaminy QB Michael Eckert on the goaline to get us the ball back to turn the game around!
Describe a play where you made a game-changing impact. What was going through your mind?
On 4th and 1 against North Penn, I made a pass break up that gave our team a chance to turn the game around. I was thinking about my responsibility, trusting my preparation, and knowing that I needed to make a play for my teammates. We had all worked hard this year and I wanted to help give our team the opportunity to come together and get the win. Once the ball was thrown my way, I trusted my instincts, attacked the player, and then got my eyes back to the qb to find that football. I made the play and stayed confident that we could finish the game strong as a team.
What’s the toughest part of playing the position (s) you play, and how do you prepare for each?
Which NFL player do you model your game after, and what do you admire about them?
I model my game after Jalen Ramsey because I admire his versatility, physicality, and confidence at defensive back. He plays with an aggressive mindset, competes on every snap, and isn’t afraid to go out and challenge the best players on the field. I also admire how he uses his preparation to anticipate what the offense is trying to do. I try to bring that same confidence, toughness, and preparation to the game as a free safety.
What’s a drill or skill you’re grinding to perfect before the season?
A drill I’m grinding to perfect this season is weaving. I want to focus on improving my footwork, change of direction, and ability to stay balanced while reacting to a reciever.
How did you start playing football, and what keeps you passionate about it?
How I started playing football was when I was 8 years old, when I first played flag football. I remember going through the entire season without getting a single catch, and at the time, I wasn’t one of the better players out there. Instead of letting that discourage me and give up, it motivated me to work harder and get better. What keeps me passionate about the game is the constant opportunity to improve, compete, and see how far I can push myself.
Who’s been your biggest supporter (e.g., coach, family, teammate) in your football journey?
My biggest supporter in my football journey has been my mom and dad. They have always been there for me, supporting me through my highs and lows. They have made sacrifices to help me succeed and always reminded to stay disciplined, hard working, and consistent when I needed it. Words cannot explain how grateful I am for everything they have done for me and the support they continue to give me.
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome—on the field or off—that’s made you a better player or person?
One of my biggest challenges I’ve overcome was dealing with an Achilles injury that kept me from playing for months. At first I was really angry and frustrated because football is something I deeply care about, and I felt as though I was losing valuable time to get better at my craft. I had to learn to be patient, and focus on what I could control instead of letting my emotions take over. That experience made me more mentally tough, more patient, and more grateful to be on the field.
How does playing in the Suburban One League shape your experience as a high school athlete?
Playing in the Suburban One League has shaped my experience as a high school athlete by giving me the opportunity to compete against strong competition every week. It has taught me that I have to prepare, stay focused, and bring my best effort every game because you never know when you’ll be challenged.The competition has taught me to improve as a player, become more confident, and learn from my successes and mistakes.
What’s the one song on your pre-game playlist that fires you up, and why?
One song from my pre-game playlist that fires me up is Federal Nightmares by Rod Wave. I would listen to it before games because it helps me get locked in and helps me focus on the mindset I need to have as I step on the field. It reminds to stay confident, and ready to compete.
What’s your nickname in the locker room, and how’d you earn it?
A nickname I earned in the locker room is Jake the Snake. We had a spring skills and drills practice and I was making some good moves on offense and juking my teammates and Head Coach Griener called me Jake the Snake due to my agility, and versatility on the field.
If you could take one teammate’s skill for a game, whose would you pick and why?
One skill I would take from one of my teammates is Henry’s aggression as he fills gaps. I admire the way he attacks the line of scrimmage, fills gaps, and tackles with confidence. He plays with a physical mindset and never hesitates to make a play on the ball carrier.
What’s your biggest goal for this season with your team?
My biggest goal this season is to help my team make the playoffs. I want us to come together, work hard, and compete every week with the goal of putting ourselves in the best position to succeed. I’m going to do everything I can on and off the field to help my teammates and contribute to a successful season. Making the playoffs would be a great accomplishment for our team and a reward for all the work we’ve put in this offseason.
Are you eyeing college football? What’s your dream school or program to play for?
I am eyeing college football, it is one of my biggest goals. My dream school is Lamar University because I would love the opportunity to compete at the next level and be part of their football program. I’m working hard every day to the best player I can be and earn the opportunity to play college football at a program like Lamar.
Where do you see yourself in football or life five years from now?
Five years from now, I see myself on my senior season of college football and making the most out of the opportunity I have. My goal is to have a successful college career, continuing to develop as a player, and compete at the highest level possible. I want to look back and know that I gave my all to the game of football and put myself in the best position to succeed both on and off the field.
Who’s an under-the-radar teammate who deserves more shine, and why?
An under-the-radar teammate who deserves more shine is my boy Sylvester. He played defensive end for us last year and had the most tackles for loss on our team, even though he didn’t start playing until our third game of the season. He came in and immediately made an impact, constantly making plays in the backfield and bringing the energy to our defense. I think he deserves more recognition for the way he stepped up and contributed to our team.
What’s the loudest or most memorable crowd moment you’ve experienced in a game?
The loudest and most memorable crowd moment I’ve experienced was playing against our rival, Neshaminy. Coming out of the locker room and running out onto that field, hearing the crowd and feeling the energy around the stadium was something I’ll never forget. Rivalry games always have a different atmosphere, and being able to experience the energy with my teammates made it even more special.