RIVIERA BEACH – Three interceptions, one touchdown, and one fumble return are the reasons why junior defensive back Jakobe Hines was the Breakthrough Player of Week 1.
The memorable performance from Hines came in Inlet Grove’s Aug. 23 game against Miami Citi Christian (15-14 comeback win).
“When I won Breakthrough Player of the Week, I felt like all my hard work through the summer paid off,” said Hines.
Hines started playing football at the age of 15 by joining the Inlet Grove football team as a sophomore. He said he started playing because of his brothers.
“I started playing football because I used to watch my brothers’ games and I saw how fun it was,” said Hines. “I wanted to be a part of that excitement.”
Never playing football before, under the direction of Inlet Grove athletic director and head football coach Charles McCrea, Hines gained endurance and strength over the summer.
“To be honest I never expected to get this far,” said Hines. “But when you have a good coach pushing you and telling you that you’re going to make it and be somebody, good things happen.”
Hines is dedicated to getting a scholarship to multiple colleges. He wants to make his mom and his family proud.
“I play football to make it out, so my mom won’t have to pay for me to go to college,” said Hines. “I also do it to help provide for my family.”
Hines isn’t stopping there. He plans to improve his game, set a pace for the younger players and lead them by example.
“Even though I am a junior, I feel like a leader of the team, and I have to set a good example for the younger men on the team,” Hines said.
Walking with his head held high, Hines hopes to make the best out of this new football season.
He wants to let others know they should never stop working towards their goals in life, because nothing comes easy.
“I want to thank my coaches for pushing me on the field and the weight room,” Hines said. “Also my team managers because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have the energy to play the way I play.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Angie Rivera
