A three-star recruit coming out of high school, Jacob Roberts received just two offers. The Charlotte native was offered by hometown NC&T and Baltimore’s Morgan State. After a great season for the Aggies last season, the linebacker who received no FBS offers is tearing it up for Wake Forest.
At 6-1 233, Roberts can be a productive run stopper and an excellent pass defender. In fact, Roberts snagged two interceptions last season and took both all the way for touchdowns. His 72 tackles, 5.5 TFL, two interceptions, five deflections, and two blocked kicks were enough to earn Second Team All-Big South honors.
Now in his first season with the Demon Deacons, Roberts is putting the nation and NFL scouts on notice. He displays an excellent ability to pursue runners in space, filling gaps quickly.
Roberts has racked up 69 tackles and six sacks in his first year with Wake Forest and despite the 4-6 record, the Deacs defense is much improved from last season. Wake finished 8-5 in 2022, however after the loss of Sam Hartman, the defense needed to step it up. Jacob Roberts has led the way as they have allowed 372 ypg this season compared to 403 in 2022.
Roberts will need to be up to the task Saturday when Wake heads to South Bend to take on their former QB. The odds are steep, but if the Deacs have any chance Roberts will need to be all over the field Saturday afternoon at 3:30 ET on ABC.
