Daily Pilot High School Football Player of the Week, Justin Jacobs:

Return engagement

Barry Faulkner

Justin Jacobs believes in second chances more than first

impressions. Otherwise, his football career may have ended after a less

than memorable introduction to the sport.

“I played Jr. All-American when I was 11, but I didn’t really like it

that much,” recalled the Newport Harbor High senior, lured out of early

retirement by the Sailors’ sterling success in the 1990s.

“If I went to another school,” I probably wouldn’t be playing anything

but baseball,” Jacobs said. “But I knew Newport had a good program, so I

decided to give (prep football) a shot.”

Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley may not have heard these details, but

is thankful for the allure of Friday night lights.

Though still devoted to baseball -- he pitches and plays shortstop and

will be a three-year starter next spring -- Jacobs has flourished in the

fall.

He started as a junior at both receiver and cornerback and has added punt

returning to his two-way workload this season.

Jacobs distinguished himself in all three roles in Friday’s 28-13

nonleague win over Glendora at Citrus College.

He caught three passes for 38 yards to up his team-high totals to 10 for

165.

Defensively, he intercepted a fade pass in the end zone to turn away

Glendora’s first scoring threat, and nearly pulled down a second pick.

Just one snap after a Glendora receiver wrestled the ball out of his

hands to thwart his would-be aerial theft, he fielded a punt on his own

22 and raced 78 yards for a touchdown to give the Tars a 21-0

second-quarter lead.

His heroics, which included a touchdown-saving tackle on Glendora’s

longest run from scrimmage (54 yards), also made him a clear choice as

Daily Pilot Player of the Week.

“He’s a very good athlete who is very instinctive on the football field,”

Brinkley said of the 6-foot, 165-pound co-captain. “And he’s always ready

to give you a great effort on both sides of the ball.”

Jacobs immediately embraced the enjoyment of catching passes as a prep,

but has only recently become a more complete player, according to his

coach.

“He’s really developed on the defensive side, in terms of

aggressiveness,” Brinkley said. “He was always a good cover guy, but he’s

become a better tackler.”

Jacobs, whose technique helps him get open more than speed or

explosiveness, said spending time in the secondary has also helped him

become a better receiver.

“I understand our offense, because I’ve been doing it for three years,”

said Jacobs, whose answers to most reporters’ questions are about as

short and crisp as his hitch routes. “But playing defense, helps (his

route running) a lot. It helps me anticipate where defensive backs are

going to be, which dictates where I need to go.”

Jacobs still prefers offense to defense and has embraced his punt

returning opportunities, as well.

“I’ve never returned kicks before, but it’s not that much different than

running after a catch. It’s always great to get into the open field.”

Brinkley, who entrusted the sure-handed senior to field punts this year,

said he has been pleasantly surprised by his elusiveness.

“He’s got pretty good shake,” Brinkley said. “He’s really good at making

that first guy miss.”

He’s also pretty good at making the most of a second chance.