LSU Tigers NFL Draft Bio: Jacob Hester

By Robert Rousseau  |   Saturday, February 09, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

LSU Tigers
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LSU running back Jacob Hester stands only 5-foot-11 inches and weighs 230 pounds. What's more, he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds. Those numbers by themselves certainly don't seem to belong to an NFL halfback, even if Hester certainly showed that he could play that position throughout his college football career. Nor does his size necessarily scream fullback.

But that's before you really get to know the guy. For example, Hester seems to project best in the NFL as a fullback. Now, what do you want from a fullback? How about the ability to gain tough yards, block, and catch passes? In addition, you want a player with a lot of heart, determination, and toughness.

Take a look at Hester's numbers.

2007: Hester started 14 games for BCS national champion LSU in 2007. On the year he accumulated 1,103 yards on 225 rushes for a 4.9 yards per carry average. Further, he rushed for 12 touchdowns. Hester also managed 14 receptions for 106 yards and scored 78 total points on the season.

Hester also had a string of 310 consecutive rushing attempts without a fumble fall against the Arkansas Razorbacks this past season.

2006: Hester racked up 440 yards rushing on the season. He also grabbed 35 passes for 269 yards.

2005: Hester played in every game during the season (13), even starting one. He finished the year with 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. He also accrued 11 catches for 63 yards.

2004: Hester played in all 12 games with one start as a true freshman, notching 123 yards on the ground and 21 yards through the air.

NFL draft prediction: Here's what San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan had to say about Hester:

"He's an interesting guy. Those kinds of guys typically play (in the NFL). They play for a good while, and they help teams win a lot of games. . Sometimes you're hoping a guy is that kind of guy when you really don't know (the kind of guy that helps wins games unselfishly, etc.)," Nolan said. "But (from) what I've seen in college of him, a couple of things tell me that he will be that guy. Number one, I believe he was a key player on the national championship team. I would be shocked if he's not a damn good NFL player for that reason alone. I don't care what they say, I'll be shocked if he's not a damn good NFL player."

Hester does not have all the physical tools that pro front offices want. However, he always comes through in big games, he's tough as nails, and he nearly always finds that small crease to gain yards.

Heck, he's even a good special teams player.

Thus, Hester has a place in the NFL draft. Figure on the worst-case scenario being early sixth round. The best?

Early fourth round.
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About Robert Rousseau

Robert Rousseau is a sports writer that has been published in a variety of print and online venues. He’s been writing for RealFootball365.com for almost three years now. When Rousseau isn’t writing about college football he tends to be penning mixed martial arts pieces for MMAFighting.com or...
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