Matoaca WR Jacob Coleman (Photo courtesy of Matoaca Athletics)
Family Affair: Jacob is the latest from the Coleman clan to commit to ECU
by Brandon Mitchell, recruit804
In February of last year, East Carolina University became the talk of the town when Matoaca’s Immanuel Hickman and Jonathan Coleman, II decided to commit to its program. Hickman started off his commitment and was then followed by Coleman meticulously unzipping his jacket exposing his ECU T-shirt as well.
It’s now over a year later and we are back at Matoaca and the announcing of another prominent student-athlete coming to a decision pertaining to where he wants to spent the next four years after his graduation date.
That athlete is starting wide receiver Jacob Coleman.
Jacob (2021 WR 6-3 200) is the younger brother of Jonathan and has decided that he would like to grace the same football field as his older brother yet again.
Late Friday evening, Jacob took to social media in presenting a video one minute and twenty seconds long in length.
The video outlined Jacob going through a series of workouts in various locations before fading to black. Jacob returned with his back facing the camera before turning around revealing an ECU T-shirt.
The feeling for Jonathan to team up with his brother Jacob again is one that is almost dreamlike in nature.
“The feeling is definitely surreal,” Jonathan told recruit804. “It’s not too often that you get blessed with this type of opportunity. Jake and I have always dreamed about this and you can only thank God.”
Jacob released his top eight programs on June 25 which was a list that included: Boston College, Coastal Carolina, Liberty, East Carolina, Rutgers, Temple, Old Dominion, and James Madison. All told, the Matoaca product held 15 collegiate offers including: UMass, Kent State, Norfolk State, Towson, Ohio, Buffalo, and Florida Atlantic.
Jacob was the second leading receiver in the Warriors offense last season behind Troy Lewis. He went on to secure 391 yards on 38 receptions and four touchdowns from starting quarterback Marcus Dreher.
While at East Carolina, Jacob joins a list of athletes that have been able to contribute to a pipeline that not only includes Matoaca athletes, but also host of other athletes from the Central Region. Athletes outside of Immanuel Hickman and Jonathan Coleman, II include: Rick D’Abreu (Thomas Dale), D’Anta Johnson (Dinwiddie), Kerry King (Highland Springs), David Laney (Highland Springs), Suirad Ware (Highland Springs), and Byron Thweatt among others.
Matoaca head coach Jay Parker expresses much excitement not just for Jacob Coleman, but also for his entire family.
“I’m very excited and happy for Jacob and the Coleman family,” Coach Parker explained. “Jacob and Deuce have a great relationship and the opportunity to play college football together at a great football university is rare. I wish I could have done that with my brother.”
– Brandon Mitchell