Editor's note: National Signing Day was last Wednesday and Gators coach Will Muschamp officially announced the 2012 recruiting class. Six members enrolled early, however, and began classes in January. GatorZone.com continues its series on UF's early enrollees.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Defensive tackle Damien Jacobs has already won a national championship. Jacobs would like to win another one with the Gators.
Jacobs is the most experienced of Florida's six early enrollees, joining the program after two seasons at East Mississippi Community College.
In his final season at East Mississippi, the 6-foot-3, 310-pound Jacobs played on a team that won the 2011 NJCAA national title. Jacobs finished with 47 tackles, 8 tackles-for-loss and two sacks.
With the loss of Jaye Howard on the interior line, Jacobs provides an experienced potential replacement for Florida coach Will Muschamp to plug into the middle up front.
Here is our Q&A with Jacobs:
Q: You had offers from other top programs, so what made Florida your final choice?
A: After I took all my visits, I realized when I came here that I had a feeling that I never had anywhere else. At the end, it was the playing-time availability and the future of the team – I think out of the schools recruiting me this is probably going to be the best team next year.
Q: How do you think the two years at East Mississippi will help you in your transition to Division I?
A: I don't think it's going to be much of a transition. It's going to be a transition, but it's not going to be as big because I have the college experience. I played against some good competition down in JUCO.
Q: What is the biggest difference in the player coming to Florida than the one coming out of high school two years ago?
A: Playing-wise, I'm much smarter; I pay much more attention to detail. That's kind of what we learn in JUCO. And I play faster because the game speeds up and you've got to get your speed up. It's a big improvement from high school. I also trimmed down some since high school and got a little quicker, faster and stronger.
Q: Do you have any previous connections to UF?
A: No, none.
Q: What is your most memorable moment on a football field?
A: December 4 this past season winning a national championship. That's the best moment. I had a real good game.
Q: Was that the first time you won a championship?
A: Yeah, we actually won two rings this year, the state and national championship. So those are my first two championships ever.
Q: You originally committed to Florida State coming out of high school. Did you ever have any contact with Coach Muschamp previously?
A: No, just with Florida, but his name has been ringing all around college football for a long time just because of the reputation he had at Texas. I've been aware of him.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?
A: I've still got a whole lot of potential. I've got some play in me that has never been brought out. I think the best is yet to come. I'm real physical, real strong, a good run-stopper.
Q: Any special talent we don't know about other than football such as singing?
A: No, there ain't none of that man.
