This is another kid that while he may be undersized for the edge position that hasn’t stopped him from producing on Friday nights. Jacob was a key piece to an Arrowhead defense that helped secure the D1 State Championship. Jacob is at his best when he can show off that quick first step. Throughout his highlights you see him in the backfield almost as soon as the ball gets there. The range to also chase down the ball in the backfield or downfield is also a strong trait of his. What has been great to see this season was Jacob’s ability to flash some power and turning that first step quickness into power to set the edge. He isn’t done growing yet, so I’m excited to see how he looks this spring/summer.

One of the state’s top 2028s continued to prove himself at the UWEC Camp with his performance. The 6′ 230 lbs incoming sophomore has developed a powerful frame that is loaded up with explosive power and quickness. We saw both win him reps during the camp. Jacob is violent out of his stance, quickly getting his hands on and forcing the OL off balance. From there it was easy for Jacob to bull rush his man into the backfield. That power also earned him impressive wins vs double teams where he was able to prove his ability to take on blocks and hold his ground while fighting off multiple opponents. That power seemed to set up his speed rush moves too as OL looked to quickly get to him and Jacob would be able to make one cut aside and find an easy path into the backfield.

One of the top up and coming two-way athletes in this Class is Arrowhead’s Jacob Downing Jacob Downing 6'1" | 230 lbs | DL/TE Arrowhead | 2028 State WI . Downing was able to earn time on the varsity at FB during Arrowhead’s playoff appearances. A great stay to get some high level experience for the impressive ’28. In that varsity action Jacob was utilized as a lead blocker at FB and spent a lot of time at TE on the freshman team. The kid made a big impact too. Jacob is explosive out of his stance and would get into the chest of his man and drive him off the line, opening up a big hole for his RB. Plus at DE Jacob was a menace off the edge. He can transition that quickness into power when he is bull rushing or shedding a block and also can win with his quickness and agility. I’m excited to see what role/s he grows and develops into at the varsity level over time.

I was looking forward to seeing the freshman DL out of Arrowhead in action. Jacob is coming off a season that saw him work his way onto the varsity field for reps as the season went along. The 5’11” 218 lbs freshman hit double 8’3″ broad jumps, highlighting his lower body power/burst. Where that burst and get off truly shined, though, was in the 1 on 1 battles. Jacob flew off the line at the snap as was able to win with his quickness in multiple ways. One was with simple lateral agility while on his path to engage, leaving the OL punching at air. Another time was with the quickness in his hands to swat down his opponents hands then rip through into the backfield. Downing is a strong, explosive freshman that is showing the early signs of a difference maker.

Projection: Highly ranked in state

A multi-sport athlete that plays at a high level in both basketball and football. A teammate of Zachary Keith Zachary Keith 6'3" | 270 lbs | DL/OL Franklin | 2028 State WI (listed above), at 6-foot-1 and 170-pounds he comes with good size for a Wide Receiver on this level. Equally agile and explosive. Plays Defensive End/Edge/Outside Linebacker on the other side of the ball and brings the requisite physicality.