Class 2012: A change of scenery provides golden opportunity for Jacob Rigby (Video)

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2012 star left tackle from the Lockview Dragons, Jacob Rigby. Jacob began playing football in the 2009-2010 season for the Cape Breton Panthers.

Jacob Rigby

Positions:
Left Tackle

Height/Weight:
6’3, 289 lbs

Teams:
Lockview Dragons (high school: NSSAFFL)
Cape Breton Panthers (bantam)
Nova Scotia under-17, under-18

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Acadia, Guelph, Ottawa, St. Francis Xavier, Toronto, Open

Class:
2012

For the last few seasons, Jacob has proven that he can get the job done on the field. Starting his career in 2009, the left tackle played for the bantam Cape Breton Panthers. In that same year, he also played for the Nova Scotia under-17 team that travelled to Montreal, Quebec to participate in the Wilson Cup.

Panthers coach Lorne Burke noticed right off the bat how much of an impact Jacob would have on and off the field.

“It was soon apparent that Jacob would be a leader on this team,” explains Burke, who comments that the athlete played defensive tackle to stop the opposing team’s middle run. “Besides his natural size, he showed great athletic ability and was instrumental to the Panthers on both the offensive and defensive lines, which we took advantage of by designing our plays to run the ball to his side or moving him to the side we needed max protection.”

After a busy, yet successful rookie campaign, Jacob was forced to take a year off from playing football because there were no local high school programs he could participate in. To fill his time yet keep himself in the game, Jacob coached mites and atom teams that were in the Cape Breton Regional Minor Football Association.

In 2011, Jacob returned back to football as a player and in July, he represented Nova Scotia at the Canada Football Cup in Lethbridge, Alberta.

When the tourney ended, Jacob and his family decided a change was needed so he could have a better opportunity to realize his football dreams.

“After the summer, my parents along with myself decided I should move to move to Halifax where I billeted with the amazing Hart Family,” says the left tackle. “My most memorable experience football was being given the chance and opportunity to play football my senior year of high school.”

Moving from Cape Breton for the opportunity to play for the Lockview Dragons of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) paid off for Jacob. In his senior year with the Dragons, the left tackle got to experience a special moment of his career as he captained the Dragons in defeating the Halifax West Warriors to win the NSSAFFL Tier 2 championship in a double overtime thriller.

However, that is not the only accomplishment of the Dragons’ player’s career. Not only did he captain the Panthers in 2009, but he was team offensive lineman of the year. In 2011, he attended the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Skills Camp, where he was named the top under-18 offensive lineman. Also, Jacob went to the Football University Camp where he was a Top Gun pick.

Jacob’s football career has been shaped by two coaches he’s been fortunate to have instructed him during his career.

“In my football career, the most influential people would be my present coach Mike Korecki (Lockview) for giving guidance and high school program to play at,” explains Jacob. “Along with teaching new skills to make me the O-Lineman I am today with past coach Lorne Burke for teaching fundamentals and introducing the game.”

The left tackle is appreciative of the many people who’ve supported and encouraged him while making major sacrifices for him to achieve his football goals.

“My mother Sandra and father Vince for driving me almost every weekend to Halifax for long provincial football practices and along with using their time and resources to better my football career and give support,” says Jacob. “Also the Hart and Gosse families along with many other people.”

Away from the field, the Dragons graduating player enjoys fishing and working on his truck. Moreover, he competes in powerlifting competitions.

After he graduates from high school this spring, Jacob would like to take criminology at university. His overall career goal is to become a police officer.

Football has given the graduating left tackle the skills he needs to be successful in life on and off the field.

“I’ve learned that football is a game of teamwork success and focus,” comments Jacob. “You must do everything you can do on the field and apply the same to your life for a successful and happy career.”

Lockview coach Korecki says that Jacob is strong and aggressive.

“Jacob is big and tough and has a great motor and takes it personally which every coach tries to instill in their players,” says the head coach. “He can play D-Line as well.”

Jacob only played one year of high school but played provincial last two years as well so he should be ready to go. He is willing to do whatever it takes so if you like big and aggressive offensive linemen, and then you will like Jacob.”

Meanwhile, Panthers coach Burke has followed Jacob’s career since 2009. He says the determination, sacrifices and hard work has resulted in the standout being able to pursue his football dreams.

“What has impressed me the most is the commitment Jacob and his parents have put into football, with no high school football in Cape Breton, Jacob and his family worked extremely hard both on and off the field to create opportunities for him to play and leaving home to play high school to gain the experience needed for the next level,” adds the Panthers head coach.

“I have personally watched Jacob train and put in the effort to enhance his football skills and have no doubt he will continue this at the next level and will strive to become a great player as he has always shown.”

Video of Jacob’s Football Highlights:

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