Many children and teenagers in today’s society have to be pushed by their parents or guardians to accomplish certain goals, from gaining good grades in school to joining a 4-H club. Not Humboldt High senior Jacob Carpenter, who has excelled at football ever since he was in the sixth grade.
“My dad was always helpful but I chose to play football and I pushed myself,” Carpenter said. “He never forced me to play, but he was always there to assist me. My mom and I have put together all my football highlight films and she has been so supportive as well.”
When Carpenter relocated from Kansas City to Humboldt, he joined a junior football league. He played tight end on offense until he eventually switched to running back, while he also played linebacker on defense in the eighth grade.
Carpenter became a starter for the varsity football team on offense and defense during his sophomore year. While solid as the starting running back, Carpenter recently has starred as a linebacker for the Cubs.
Not only has he started at these positions on the Humboldt football team, he has garnered some awards for his play throughout his career. He was the Tri-Valley All-League linebacker both his sophomore and junior years, as well as Second Team All-State linebacker. He was also named an All-Underclassmen linebacker for the state of Kansas. He finished his tenure at HHS with a total of 470 tackles on defense.
This season, his senior year, Carpenter served as a leader for his teammates by being named captain for all the coin tosses at every game.
While Carpenter’s senior season has ended at Humboldt, he is looking to continue playing at the collegiate level. He has been recruited by several junior colleges and a sizeable number of four-year universities: Baker University, Pittsburg State University, Emporia State University, Northwest Missouri State University, and an FCS school out of the state of South Dakota — all viable, exceptional options, he said. He plans to redshirt his first year in college, so he will end up playing, at the most, five years.
“I have been very fortunate with the people who have gotten my name out there,” Carpenter said. “The connections I’ve had have made me so lucky with all the coaches that have talked to me.”
While playing football, Carpenter looks to study either sports administration or exercise science. He will hopefully gain a graduate assistant coaching position at wherever he ends up attending college. After that, he yearns to start and eventually coach at the collegiate level.
“That is my main goal, to coach at the collegiate level,” Carpenter said.
Off the field, Carpenter has had some time to play baseball and basketball during his time at Humboldt.
Wherever Carpenter decides to play football, he has left his mark at Humboldt. Whether it’s the lasting, positive impression he left for the Humboldt football team or as a role model for other teenagers. He pushed himself to gain his goals for succeeding in the sport he loves.
Humboldt’s Carpenter excels on field, accomplishes goals
