2025 Interview with Jake Neff from Big Walnut

 

Jake Neff

Big Walnut

Safety, Kicker, and Punter

2026

6’1 200

Jersey Number: 15

Awards won or earned: OCC Second-Team Kicker, Central District Special Mention Safety

HUDL LINK: http://www.hudl.com/profile/17747398

Other sports played:

Baseball, Basketball, and Soccer

Post a small recap of last season with something like a big game you had, something about a certain game, something from a bus ride to or from the game, or something that sticks out from a practice.

After we beat Massillon, we had so much emotion. We lost to them two times in the last three years; that game was circled on our calendar all year.

How did you get into punting and kicking?

My freshman year, our kicker was sick and missed practice. Coach asked if anyone could kick a ball, and I stepped up, only having experience from soccer. My first kick on a kickoff went through the back of the end zone.

Have you gone to any kicking camps? If so, could you name a few of them and let the readers know the biggest lessons you have learned from the camps?

I have not gone to any camps; my kicking coach kicked in college and helps me a lot with technique and how to approach each kick.

What have been your longest punt and field goal in a game?

I made a 49-yard field goal in the game; the longest punt was 60 yards.

How often do you practice onside kicks?

Practice them every week in practice; you never know when they could be needed.

Three picks last season to go with 55 tackles as a safety. What are your goals from that position this season?

I want to be more physical this season. My goal is around 80–90 tackles. I don’t really care about interceptions, but I don’t want to let any deep balls get behind us this year.

Heading into your senior season, are you preparing any differently than you have in the past? Explain

The only thing I am changing this year is being more vocal and being more of a leader. Last year we had great leadership from our seniors, and I will have to fill those shoes.

Can you list three reasons you play football?

Brotherhood with my teammates, playing for the school under the lights, and I always loved watching it as a kid.

What makes you a good teammate?

When someone is down on themselves, I am always able to crack a joke or lighten the mood and help them stop worrying about the past.

Why should a college coach recruit you?

I started playing football in 8th grade. I have progressed each year while also playing high-level baseball and basketball. If I were to specialize in football only in college, my skills would grow even more.

What is the worst weather to punt and kick in?

Rain and wind. Temperature isn’t really an effect for me because I am warm from playing safety. But wind and rain can make things unpredictable.

How did your baseball and basketball seasons go?

I was a role player this year in basketball, and I accepted that. We went all the way to the regional finals. In baseball, I was awarded first team All-Conference and first team All-District, and we also went to the regional finals.

Of the three sports that you play, which one are you hoping to play at the college level?

I am looking to play baseball and/or football at the next level.

What is your favorite class or subject?

My favorite class was a financial literacy class I took this year. I liked working with money.

What is your favorite sports movie or show?

The Blind side, a great movie with a great story.

What is your favorite animal?

Rhino

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