D3football.com: Notables

John Jacobs threw just 83 passes last year for Catholic as a backup to Keith Ricca but still caught scouts' eyes.

Photo by Pat Coleman, D3sports.com

Pro game within reach for many

This spring The Beyond Sports Network received a request from NFL International to provide information on the free agent quarterbacks in the network.

They were seeking qualified individuals who would want to participate in an all expenses paid trip to Seville, Spain to participate in a week-long camp conducted by NFL International. This camp will include athletes from all over the world who will compete in front of NFL, as well as other professional football scouts. The two players selected from the Beyond Sports Network are John Jacobs from Division III Catholic, and Chris Phillips from Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Jacobs heard about the opportunity to participate in the NFL International Camp through the Beyond Sports Network and created a profile that included his personal information, stats, playing history, and highlight video. When the NFL International requested to have all the interested and eligible quarterbacks send information, a link to Jacobs' profile was sent to the staff of the NFL International. They viewed the profile and selected John and Chris Phillips to participate in the camp.

Dan Evans, a Division III alumnus and now part of the leadership of the Beyond Sports Network, caught up with Jacobs before his trip.

BSN: We would first like to congratulate you, John, on being selected to participate in the NFL International Camp. For those that do not know much about your football career, give us some background on yourself.

JJ: I started my college career at Division I-AA William and Mary where I redshirted the first year and spent the second year as a backup. I then followed one of my coaches to The Catholic University of America where I finished my collegiate career. At Catholic I split time for the first and third years there, and was sidelined due to an injury the second year.

BSN: You were in a tough situation at Catholic University, playing behind Division I prospect Keith Ricca. Keith was an All Met selection from the Washington, D.C., area. You did perform well when you got the opportunity. How did you stay mentally sharp week to week?

JJ: Throughout my football career I have always been in situations where I have had to fight for playing time. Keith is a great player and competing weekly really helped me strive to be a better player. Mentally I have learned that just because one coach sees it one way, another might see differently.

BSN: I have heard that since December you took a proactive role in furthering your football career through a tough workout regimen. Can you discuss what you have been doing since December?

JJ: Since December I have been doing a lot of strength and speed training. I have been doing a lot of combine specific training that has really helped with my speed and agility as well. Lately I have been working directly with a speed coach in preparation for an upcoming combine and the NFL International Mini Camp. I also put together my highlight tape. That process was extremely time-consuming due to the long hours of uploading and editing film.

BSN: Discuss some the emotions you felt when you found out you were selected for the camp. What are you hoping to get out of the camp?

JJ: When I found out that I had been selected I was a little relieved in a way. All I have wanted throughout this process was an opportunity to get in front of professional scouts and coaches. I know that an opportunity such as this doesn't come along often so I'm going to make the best of it. I'm hoping that I will receive some one-on-one coaching from the NFL personnel and maybe even an invite to an NFL minicamp or preseason camp.

BSN: What are some of your goals that you have in your football career? Is there any advice that you can give to all the graduating college players out there that want to play professional football?

JJ: I think my main goal is to play in the NFL. Although it may be a long shot, I've always believed that I could do it if given the right opportunity. To graduating players, I would say that the No. 1 thing throughout this process is to be persistent. Just because one team doesn't give you an opportunity doesn't mean everyone else feels the same.

BSN: John, you are one of many success stories from the Beyond Sports Network. By being selected to the NFL International Camp, you will have an opportunity to further your career. How did you find out about the Beyond Sports Network? How do you think the network can help all athletes especially those from Division III?

JJ: I learned about Beyond Sports Network through my coaching staff at Catholic. The network serves as a great tool for potential professional players especially Division III players who may not get the attention they deserve. I owe a great deal of gratitude to the Network for this once-of-a-lifetime opportunity.

Permalink | Jul 1, 2008

John Jacobs was selected for a week-long development camp in Spain thanks to the Beyond Sports Network.

Photo by Pat Coleman, D3sports.com

Scouting beyond the usual suspects

If you think it's difficult for Division III stars to get noticed by pro scouts, try pursuing the dream as a backup.

Division III players participate in pro leagues around the world, from the NFL to the arena leagues to various leagues throughout Europe, and there are many jobs available.

But to get there, it takes a little bit of luck, and perhaps a little bit of networking to go along with the requisite skill.

For Catholic backup quarterback John Jacobs, it was his connections through the Beyond Sports Network that got him noticed to the tune of a trip to a camp conducted by NFL International. The Network is, according to Jacobs, "a great tool for potential professional players especially Division III players who may not get the attention they deserve."

How does that work? More in a Q&A with John Jacobs.

Permalink | Jul 1, 2008