Oberlin, Ohio – In the second installment of Meet Your Incoming Yeomen we introduce you to two linebackers with the same first name in Jacob Kennedy and Jacob Danko.

Name: Jacob Kennedy
High School: Johnstown Monroe High School
Hometown: Johnstown, Ohio
Height: 5'10”
Weight: 195 lbs
Position: Linebacker
Awards: All Region, All District, All Conference, All Newark Advocate, Academic All Ohio, Army Reserve Scholar Athlete Award

Head Coach Jeff Ramsey:
"Jake is a talented athlete with great instincts, as a linebacker I feel that he fits right into what we like to do on defense. When you watch him play, he not only has the size, strength, and speed to excel at this level but his intensity and passion for the game make him a special kind of player. As we were speaking with his high school coaches, one of the first things they would talk about is Jake's work ethic, on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom. Kennedy certainly brings a lot to the table on defense as well as special teams; we are excited to watch him compete on the field.”

Jake comes to us from Johnstown-Monroe High School and it's easy to see the discipline he has learned from playing in a program with such great tradition. In getting to know Jake through the recruiting process our staff talked with many of his high school teachers, coaches, and administrators. In all of those conversations they described a young man of high character with a positive attitude. As the recruiting process went on our staff found that he lives up to all the great things we've heard about him. I am confident that that his leadership and attitude will have a positive impact on the campus community as well as on the football field."

Why Oberlin?
“I chose Oberlin because of its great academic reputation and for its amazingly diverse population. I knew as soon as I took a tour of the campus and met the people that Oberlin was the right place for me to further academic career. As far as athletics go, right away I felt as though the players and coaches accepted me and made me feel at home. I liked how the team was a close-knit group of guys. I really couldn't see myself anywhere else besides Oberlin.”

Name: Jacob Danko
High School: Firelands High School
Hometown: Vermilion, Ohio
Height: 6'0”
Weight: 220lb
Position: Linebacker
Awards: Football: Honorable Mention All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-County
Baseball: Honorable Mention All-Conference, Falcon Award

Head Coach #Jeff Ramsey#
“Jake Danko will make the transition to linebacker after a successful high school career at Firelands High School under head coach Todd Pooch. Jake has the size and talent to develop into a great linebacker for us. He is a great competitor and he will provide us with some exciting moments on the football field for the next four years. Jake will have an immediate impact on our success this year, and I look forward to having the opportunity to coach him.

Jake's father was a linebacker here at Oberlin College and is now a successful local area dentist. His father's competitive spirit and commitment to excellence lives in his son, and I know Jake will excel both on and off the field during his four years at Oberlin.”

Why Oberlin?
I chose to go to Oberlin College because both of my parents are alumni and I have spent a lot of time on campus. My plan is to major in biology and since Oberlin has such a strong science department, it was a perfect fit. I feel with my athletic abilities I can contribute to Oberlin's improving athletic program. I cannot wait to continue my football career as an Oberlin College Yeoman.