By Nmerritt11
Staff Writer

On February 26th, 2009 Clemson University got their second pledge of the 2010 recruiting class. Jake Nicolopulos was a local kid from T.L. Hanna, the school Radio has helped make famous. Jake was an off the radar prospect that caught Clemson’s staff’s attention with his sideline to sideline ability and old school style of play. He was a hard nosed, hard hitting, fearless linebacker that was known for his ability to shut down the inside run. He grew up a Clemson fan and when offered, he immediately accepted.

 

            On December 10th that dream was crushed when the backer suffered a stroke that nearly ended his life. Jake slowly fought his way out of critical condition and the fight was just beginning. He was unable to walk, talk, or write after the stroke. In order to relieve pressure on his brain they had to remove a portion of Jake’s brain all but ending the chances that he would ever play football again. This did not stop Clemson’s staff from recruiting Jake. Brad Scott, the recruiter of record that landed Jake and head coach Dabo Swinney were permanent staples in the Jake camp. Often visiting and calling to check on Jake. They were Jakes biggest cheerleaders in his road to recovery and watched as Jake slowly gained some of his motor skills back. Shortly after the stroke, Dabo and Scott went to the hospital and presented Jake with a #9 Clemson Jersey with his name on the back and his very own Clemson helmet. Jake clinched the jersey in his arms and pulled it up to his face with his good arm. At this point Jake was still holding hope that he would on day run down the hill as a member of the Clemson football team, but another set back when doctors noticed that fluid was building around the brain all but ended that hope. He was going to need another surgery to insert a tube that would allow the fluid to drain. Doctors told Jake that once they did this it would end his chances of ever taking the field again. Jake was very emotional and knew this would be yet another set back that he would have to overcome.

 

            The second surgery went better than expected and the fluid level was much lower than they expected so it was back to the daily grind. The hard nose Linebacker who was known for his heart and his work ethic on the field was now going to have to channel that to his new goal: Signing with Clemson University on February 3rd, 2010. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney and Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips made it clear that Jake was part of the Clemson family and his scholarship would be honored and he would have a scholarship available and a position in the athletic department whenever he was ready! Jake continued his rehab facing tougher challenges than any 17 year old should ever be forced to face, but his was focused on his goal and continued to work hard. Nearly two months removed from the first surgery, Jake was officially “All-In” as his mother said in a journal entry on caringbridge.org. “Jake is now part of an incredible team being part of the Clemson University team-and for that we are forever grateful for their steadfast commitment to Jake and our family.” She follows that up in the same journal entry by saying, “Clemson has not only stood by Jake but they have gone over and above to do whatever they could to make Jake feel wanted, special, and a part of the Clemson family.”

 

            In a time of recruiting battles turning ugly, recruits making spectacles during press conferences, coaches jumping ship on recruits because they find someone better, and the rest of the madness that comes along with recruiting in today’s college football world, it is nice to see stories play out like this. Jake may end up being the most important recruit in this recruiting class. He shows this team, that life is precious and every individual with the ability to wear the PAW on their helmet, rub the rock, and run down the hill are blessed! It is something that kids dream of all their life. Jake was so close to his dream and should be an inspiration to us all. Every Clemson fan should be proud to wear their orange and white! For a man that was the most criticized hire since Danny Ford in Tiger town, he certainly is overcoming expectations on and off the field. Sometimes people forget, the job of a college coach is to mentor young men and help develop them into the characters they will be during their professional careers. Dabo not only realizes this, but constantly displays what being a MAN is all about. He leads by example and, being a guy that overcame the odds himself, there may not be many better for young men to learn from than him. Go Jake!