This is the first in a series of feature stories with help from our creative story telling partner, FanWord.
Jacob Ziegler, an offensive lineman, is in his first year with the Morehead State University football team.
While he's still getting acclimated to a new college, team, and city, Ziegler couldn't be happier to be a part of the Eagles.
"I chose Morehead State for multiple different reasons," said Ziegler. "I think the number one reason I chose Morehead State was the opportunity I had with the new coaching staff. I knew the old coaching staff from their previous coaching stop at Fairmont State, and just knowing them and that they came here, it all fell perfectly in line because I had an opportunity to play right away in my freshman year."
"Another reason I chose to come to Morehead State is because of the people around and just the place it's at. We're in the middle of the mountains in Kentucky. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. I'm not used to that. I'm from the northern part of Ohio which is near the lake — I'm not used to being around any mountains. I think a big thing was wanting to get out of my comfort zone and experience something new."
Ziegler's positive attitude toward the game is an essential part of his success as an athlete. Football is a sport filled with adversity, so it's crucial to be able to keep a positive attitude when things aren't going your way.
Ziegler has been able to do that throughout his football career, which dates back to his childhood. Playing with his friends every day was something he spoke very highly about.
"There's nothing better than playing with your buddies every day, working with them, practicing with them, and just grinding with them," said Ziegler. "There's nothing better you can ask for."
There are many people that help influence a successful athlete along their journey, when asked about who was a role model for him, Ziegler was quick to mention his dad.
"My dad helped me contact literally every single coach you can possibly think of. We emailed people every day. He's a big inspiration in my life. He played football at Ashland University, which is a D2 school in Ohio. So I think coming from that, he knows what he's talking about. He knows the grind. And I think he really helped me become the player I am today and really helped me get to this point through everything he's taught me and everything he's shown me. He taught me how to be a man. My dad is one of the biggest inspirations I could've ever hoped for."
As an offensive lineman, Ziegler doesn't get the same attention that a quarterback or wide receiver might, but he still takes great pride in his role on the field and loves when he gets to celebrate with the guys who score touchdowns.
"I think the best feeling you can have as an offensive lineman during the game is a long touchdown," said Ziegler. "A long touchdown means that you're pretty much done for the drive after two or three plays. That's an awesome feeling. That feeling that your running back took one to the house, and there's nothing better than celebrating with him in the end zone."
When he's not pancaking defensive linemen, Ziegler has a bit of a humorous side, too.
In a recent interview, he was asked who he would choose if he could pick any four people, dead or alive, to take a road trip with.
His answer was a combination of humor and practicality.
"My goal with this is high vibes, so I'm going to go for some high-vibe people," said Ziegler. "So, first off, I have to throw Will Ferrell in there. Who doesn't love some Will Ferrell? He'd be cracking jokes the whole time. He'd be a pretty awesome person to sit in the car with."
"Next up, I'll have Georges Niang, the NBA player. He played for the Cavaliers. He now plays for the Hawks, but he's a funky guy. He's a real goofball. I think he'd be awesome."
"Then I'm going for music. You got to have Post Malone in the car. Post Malone makes so many different types of genres of music. I think he'd be pretty awesome. I think he would always be playing some bumps in the car.
"Last but not least, I'd have
Adrian Lopez. He plays offensive line next to me for the football team, and I have him there for the snacks. He would probably have so many snacks, so he's a good guy to have around for that."
Ziegler was also asked what the odds would be of him making a game-winning, 35-yard field goal. Again, he gave a hilarious response.
"I think there is probably, maybe a 20% chance to make it," said Ziegler. "Hey, you might not know this, but I used to be a pretty good soccer defender. I was pretty good at soccer.
"So, I think I could boot a ball if I got the right hold. Just put my left foot in the ground and absolutely beam that sucker. I think I could put it in for a game winner."
Ziegler might not be the next NFL Kicker, but he's a talented offensive lineman with a solid sense of humor. He's a great addition to the Eagles, and he'll be a key part of the team moving forward.
