Independent FL:Former Gator welcomes being 'awkwardly out of place' in NFL

[TK]

http://www.alligator.org/edit/sports/issues/stories/031203jeff.html

Former Gator welcomes being 'awkwardly out of place' in NFL

By Jeff Darlington

Alligator columnist

Somewhere on a farm just outside Tallahassee’s border, a 2003 Denali XL sits awkwardly out of place. Its black paint is too glossy. Its spinner rims are too costly.

But here it rests, parked 851 miles away from its owner, outside the home of a teacher, a retired father and a 19-year-old with Down syndrome.

The $60,000, fully loaded dream-on-wheels belongs to Taylor Jacobs, wide receiver for the Washington Redskins.

In case you’re as bright as an ACC referee, perhaps I should remind you of Jacobs’ history. He’s the second-round draft pick who broke the Gators’ single-game receiving record last season with 246 yards.

During his career with the Gators, I had the opportunity to become well acquainted with Jacobs. So when I heard he’d be in Miami last week to play the Dolphins, it seemed like an appropriate time to see just how glamorous the NFL life can be.

Ever wonder what it’d be like - a year removed from college - raking in millions of dollars as a football player? Have you wondered how you’d handle traveling city to city, staying in the nation’s most luxurious hotels?

At 22, Jacobs knows. But you may be surprised how abnormally normal his life has remained.

Every morning, Jacobs wakes up with a woman on each side of him in his six-bedroom mansion. He starts each day with the perfect mimosa - a bottle of Dom Perignon and a half gallon of O.J.

Wait a second. Back up. Wrong dream.

Jacobs actually wakes up each morning in his two-bedroom apartment to a phone call from his mother. Ever since he slept through his alarm clock and missed practice, she took the responsibility of getting him out of bed.

He eats three meals a day - two at the practice facility and dinner at Boston Market. And aside from a Ford Expedition for his family (his father refuses to fly, so they have racked up 30,000 miles in five months driving to games), he hasn’t burnt much money.

And in the off-season? There won’t be any yachts or worldwide tours. Not at all. Instead, Jacobs will return to Gainesville, where he still owns an apartment, so he can focus on finishing his degree.

No doubt, life is good for Jacobs. He’s just handling it responsibly.

So far this season, because of injuries, Jacobs has just three receptions with one touchdown. But soon enough, I hope to see Jacobs succeed. Here’s why:

Somewhere in a city just a few miles away from Washington, D.C.’s border, a rookie wide receiver sits awkwardly out of place. His apartment is too small. His attitude is too shy. But here he rests, 851 miles away from his home and focusing on his future while embracing his past.

In a world too abundant of the Keyshawn Johnsons, meet Taylor Jacobs. He’s the NFL dream. Now give him the damn ball.

[codeorama]

Nice article.

I hope he gets a chance to play some.

[Skeletor The Invincible]

I think if he gets a chance to succeed, he'll do fine.

I mean, look at Anquan Boldin. Here, he wouldn't have gotten on the field much, but there, he is showcasing himself. Good for him.

Jacobs can be a solid NFL WR. I don't know about a #1, but a #2 for sure.

[SlobberKnockinFootball]

Hopefully Gardner will trip over his own hands and will be out the rest of the season to give Jacobs a look at the 2nd WR spot. We need to get him in there along with Russell to see what we have for next year. There is no reason Jacobs shouldn't receive extensive playing time over these next 4 games.

[Skins26]

Hell yes!

Taylor can be a really really good WR. I mean think about it, what do you have to have to be a really good NFL WR, his size is pretty good, he's fast as hell, his concentration is just ridiculous, and his hands are probably the best on the team. He has the work ethic and right attitude.

Right there is what you need to be a pretty damn good NFL WR. Now the thing he has that will make him even better, ROUTE RUNNING! He runs perfect routes, they are beautiful, flawless. Thats what Jerry Rice did so well that gave him the edge over people, and Jacobs has that same talent.

I was really happy this week when i heard Spurrier was gonna give him more playing time, I really think he can be a good player.