Recruit Spotlight: TE Jake Hammond, Ouachita Parish High School, Class of 2018

by Jace LeJeune

Last season, The Ouachita Parish Lions had a 7-6 season, but do not let that record fool you as the Lions had to play arguably the toughest schedule in the state playing against state championship contending teams such as Neville, Scotlandville, Ruston, West Monroe, and that is just some to name a few. For this season, the Lions lose arguably the greatest quarterback in program history in De'Vion Warren, who was responsible for almost 6,000 yards and 75 touchdowns throughout his prep career. Warren is now with the Arkansas Razorbacks. Even with the loss of a dynamic playmaker like Warren, Lions fans should be very confident for an improved season with great athletes like Jabari Johnson and a talented offensive line that is led by their great blocking tight end in Jake Hammond. With that combination, the offense might not lose a step this season. Hammond is one of the best tight ends in North Louisiana. He is best known for his blocking but he can go out and catch passes as well. What makes Hammond special as a blocker is that he can block one guy, get him out of the play, and then find somebody else to block. He is a player that is always looking to pancake linebackers and defensive backs. When #17 comes their way, defenders definitely know to get out of the way. At 6'2, 235, Hammond has the power to be a dominant blocker in the run game, but at the same time, he has the athleticism and hands to be a threat in the pass game. Louisiana Football Magazine Editor/T.V. Host Lee Brecheen had this to say about the talented blocker from Ouachita Parish.

"Jake Hammond is one tough player and a heck of a blocking tight end," Brecheen said. "He is an extension of the offensive line and at the same time, can catch as he has good hands."

He is capable of being a DI tight end and was recognized by us in the pre-season on our All-north-louisiana team and is even on the cover of our North Louisiana edition of the magazine, but surprisingly, he has not had a football scholarship offer even though he has received some interests from schools. Most impressive that he has been heavily involved with athletics and at the same time, is highly successful in the classroom with his 4.0 GPA. If s come see this senior tight end play, then, there will be a lot of offers that will be coming Jake Hammond's way because of the impact he has as a blocker and his unselfishness to do whatever it takes for the success of the team. In today's recruit spotlight, we caught up with the Ouachita Parish Tight End/H-back as he talks about last season, his thoughts on being on the cover, the wide range of music that he listens to, and so much more!

LAFM: What is your name, position, and school you play for?

Jake Hammond, 17, TE/H-Back, Ouachita Parish High School

LAFM: What is your current height and weight?

6-2, 235

LAFM: What is your ACT score and GPA?

4.0 and 26 on the ACT

LAFM: What is your max bench press, max squat, and 40 yard time?

My max bench is 305. My max squat is 405. My vertical is a 27.5, and my 40 time is a 5.0.

LAFM: What are some of the schools that you have received either offers from or have shown interest in you so far?

At the time, I have no football offers, but have been in contact with Stanford, ULM, Louisiana Tech, and Memphis.

LAFM: You are on our North Louisiana team and are on the cover of our North Louisiana edition of our magazine. What does it mean for you heading into your senior season to be recognized as one of the best players in the state at your position?

Being recognized as one of the best players in the state heading into my senior season is truly a honor. It is truly a testament to my hard work and prayer so I am extremely grateful.

LAFM: What are the biggest strengths to your game?

The biggest strengths in my game are my strength, my ruthless effort to the whistle, and my hands.

LAFM: What are some areas to your game that you need to improve on before going to ?

I have been working on my speed, route running, pass blocking, and hand positioning this off-season.

LAFM: As a tight end, you really go after people when you block. A lot of tight ends rather catching the football than blocking and a lot of guys rather block than catch the football. Do you enjoy more catching passes or blocking more?

It may come to a surprise, but there is truly nothing more enjoyable than blocking. Because of all the weights and technique work I go through, there is nothing more satisfying than putting someone on their back.

LAFM: What are the stats and accomplishments over your high school career so far?

We set the school record for rushing yards, total offense as well as making it to the second round of the playoffs. Also, I was a first team All-District selection, All-NELA selection, and selected to first team LSL All-State.

LAFM: In speaking of last year, the team only went 7-6, but the team went to the second round and played one of the most difficult schedules in the state in the process. What are your thoughts on last season and what was the toughest team that you played against last season and why?

Last year was truly a blessing getting to play with my best friends and being able to be coached by the staff that we have. Our toughest opponent was West Monroe. They have phenomenal talent and were very well coached. I am very excited to play them again this year.

LAFM: What team or teams have you marked on the schedule and are most looking forward to playing against this season?

As excited as I am to play every team on the schedule, I am especially excited for area rivals Richwood, Neville, and West Monroe.

LAFM: Who is a or NFL tight end that you model your game after and watch film on?

As much as I like to think that I have my own unique style of play, I love the aggression and swagger that Rob Gronkowski (Arizona/New England Patriots) plays with. While he is more documented for what he does as a receiver and after the catch, his physicality is inspiring and something I like to model my game after.

LAFM: What is the best game of your high school career so far and why?

I think the best game of my high school career so far is our first round playoff game against Walker. We produced a school record 861 yards of total offense, and I was able to help in the run game with my blocking all over the field.

LAFM: What do you like to do when the football season is over?

When the football season is over, I immediately transition to baseball and begin to throw and workout with my teammates.

LAFM: What are your goals for the season?

My goals, for the season, are obviously to win a district and a state championship as well as to be a leader and the best teammate that I can be.

LAFM: What is your message to the Ouachita team and the fans for this season?

We have had the best spring/summer of preparation that I have been a part of since I have been in high school. It's going to be a special year.

LAFM: Who are some people in your life that you need to thank for helping you be in the position that you are in today?

I most importantly want to thank God because without prayer and blessings he has given me, nothing would be possible. Also, I want to thank my parents and brother for continuing to support me no matter what. Finally, my friends and teachers at Ouachita, who have been like family since my first day of high school.

LAFM: What is an interesting fact about yourself that our readers don't know about?

I listen to about any type of music. I can seriously jam to anything from Britney Spears to 21 Savage. It all depends how I'm feeling.

LAFM: What makes you stand out from all the other tight ends in the state this season?

I don't quit until the whistle blows. I'm on my man driving him as far as I can.

Hey football fans. Like our recruiting interviews, stories, and other content on our website? Click on our website daily to view articles on recruits, coaches, and so much more at our website: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/. Also, we have exciting news that for the first time in the 21 year history of our magazine, we will have a North and a South edition of the Magazine. Both issues will continue to cover all the Louisiana s as well as all the high schools in state, but there will be 16 pages that will focus on North Louisiana as well as South Louisiana. For more information on what is in both editions as well as how you can get your copy, click on our store links below. So, what are you waiting for and get your editions today!

North Cover: South Cover:

North: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/product/la-football-magazine-2017-annual-preview-south-edition/

South: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/product/la-football-magazine-2017-annual-preview/