By Michael Lindsay
Cumberland County High School senior Jacob Nealon made his college football dream a reality Monday afternoon he signed with West Virginia Wesleyan College.
“I’m excited,” said Nealon. “This is a great opportunity to further my academic and athletic career and a chance not many people get to take. I love playing football, and this is what drives my motor.”
Nealon, a three-year starter on the offensive and defensive line for the Jets, expects to stay on the defensive side of the ball for the Bobcats.
“Playing time as a freshman is hard to do in college,” said Nealon. “I talked to them about playing time, and they’re the biggest opportunity. I’m ready to go and compete.”
Nealon is the fourth college football signee at Cumberland County under head coach Noah Repasky.
“He’s done a lot for our program,” said Repasky. “I’m glad Jacob gets to play for a few more years and learn a different scheme. Everybody is going to be really good, but he’s got the mental fortitude and is ready to go.”
West Virginia Wesleyan is an NCAA Division II program located in Buckhannon, WV, and competes in the Mountain East Conference.
“They had a lot that I was looking for,” said Nealon. “The campus and athletic program, they’re building just like we were here (at Cumberland County). Nobody in my family has been to college, and I wanted to be the first one to make it, whether through athletics or academics. Now that I’ve achieved that, it’s time to strive in it.
“When I came to high school and started lifting, I started seeing the potential I had,” Nealon added. “I stuck to what the coaches were teaching me.”
“Jacob has a high motor,” added Repasky. “He’s strong as an ox and is a 1,000-pound-club guy. He’s got the fit for it and his mindset.”
Nealon already has a path charted in the classroom at West Virginia Wesleyan.
“My academics will be sports management,” said Nealon. “Football has always been what I do in life, and I don’t know where I see myself without being involved in sports. A lot of kids are like me and depend on athletics to get them further in life.”
