This season could be a launching pad for Jacob’s recruitment. Since he entered high school he has had an elite, rare frame that will instantly grab anybody’s attention. However, as with most freshman, he hadn’t quite grown into that massive frame so his play wasn’t quite as efficient and effective in Year One. However, he has been putting in the work this offseason when it comes to his training. So I had to put him on this list because if we see a jump in his balance, flexibility, and mobility compared to last year then he is going to rocket up our rankings and recruiting boards around the Midwest and beyond.

This OL group at the spring showcase is LOADED from 2026s down to 2028s. Jacob had a solid performance at his last Showcase performance. I also know he has been putting in the offseason work. Sunday we get to check in and see where he is at now with his development as he prepares for his sophomore season. The size is legitimate, now we get an update on where he is from an athleticism, flexibility, body control, and technique standpoint. Pumped to find out!

Looking through the Oconomowoc roster, they had 9 OL listed on the 2024 roster. Five of those nine will be graduating this summer leaving room for open competition for starting and backup jobs across the line. An athlete I expect to be right in the middle of that battle for a starting spot is 2028 OL Jacob van der Kooy.

The first reason why I have high expectations for Jacob is the size and mass he brings to the field. He has varsity size at 6’4″ 285 lbs with 6’7″ wingspan and hands that measure almost a foot wide. In the tape available you can see that Jacob is able to use that size to his advantage as he controls where his opponent goes after the snap. I’m pumped to see how Jacob develops this offseason and what he looks like as we approach the 2025 season this summer/fall.

A Need-to-Know OL recruit in the Class of 2028 is Oconomowoc’s Jacob Van Der Kooy. Jacob already looks the part of a top OL recruit with his 6’4″ 282 lbs body. With that elite frame comes a 6’7″ wingspan and almost 12″ hands that allowed him to make first contact all day long in 1 on 1s. That initial contact and huge hands let him get a solid initial punch or clamp onto his man and keep them right in front of him. Jacob is definitely still growing into that frame and adding strength to it. So I’m expecting big strides in his movement traits over this offseason. The natural tools are plentiful with this freshman and his ceiling is very high.

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.