Providence Day freshmen student-athletes, Jacolbe Cowan and Porter Rooks, talk to the Charger about life and the recruting
process.
By Adam Hardy and Max Lahn
Jacolbe Cowan
and
Porter Rooks
Jacolbe Cowan
Porter Rooks
Student-athlete Jacolbe Cowan is a 6’5, 250 pound freshman at Providence Day School where he excels on field, court, and classroom. The All-Conference defensive end plays football and basketball; however, his recent jump in recruiting is due to his talent on the football field where he plays defensive end and tight end.
Cowan’s first offer came March 21 from SEC power Georgia, however, an excited and thankful Cowan didn’t expect what was to come. He has received 14 scholarship offers since which include SEC, BIG TEN, BIG 12, and ACC schools. In the 2020 class, he currently has the fifth most scholarship offers in the country, just in front of his fellow freshman teammate Porter Rooks with 14. Cowan has received offers from Vanderbilt, Georgia, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Virginia, Syracuse, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Maryland, NC State, Louisville, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, and Wake Forest.
He can squat nearly 400 pounds and bench 235 as a 15-year-old with barely any strength training under his belt. Numbers like these show his limitless potential, which is why coaches across the country are calling his name.
Along with his athletic skills, Cowan pushes himself in the classroom. Cowan’s parents, Rykesha and Terence, put education first. He goes the extra mile for school and tutors a few times a week to make sure he is on top of his grades. He is a great student and keeps up with his work.
With all the attention from schools and media, Cowan is still able to remain humble and will never be seen boasting about his achievements. He handles the exposure very well and is enjoying the entire process while staying relaxed and calm. “Really,” he said, “it’s just a blessing. It shows the hard work I’ve been putting in has finally paid off. I think college coaches like (mine and Porter Rooks’) work ethic and the people we are.”
Cowan plans to visit schools like Virginia Tech and Alabama. He has also been invited to some of the biggest camps in the country like the Nike Opening, the Under Armour All-America Camp Series, and the Rivals Camp Series.
Although Porter Rooks and Cowan are great friends now, they first met at Providence Day School as strangers where they debuted in their freshmen seasons.
Besides football, Cowan is a basketball player and played for the travel team CP3 where he played center and power forward. He also started for the Providence Day varsity basketball team this year.
With Cowan’s limitless potential, great mindset, and work ethic, it’s certain that he will have a bright future ahead of him.
Cowan preaches “God, Family, and Football”
In the spring of his eighth grade year, the Louisville Cardinals made an offer to one of the nation's top recruits in the class of 2020. The top target for many major college football programs just so happens to be a freshman at Providence Day. Wearing number nine, standing 6 foot 1 and weighing in at 185, Porter Rooks had an outstanding freshman year for the Chargers.
“It just put me in a different mindset that I have to live up
to something” - Rooks on his Louisville offer in the
eighth grade
Rooks’ freshman year can’t be compared to anyone else who ever put on a Chargers uniform. Playing wide receiver he had 35 receptions for 531 yards and five touchdowns. Along with his outstanding ability to get open on the outside, Rooks also has the ability to run the wildcat. In the wildcat he rushed for 308 yards and two touchdowns.
He was named to the All-Conference and All- State teams, and also to the first team Maxpreps.com Freshman All-American Team. Rooks is currently ranked the number two freshman in the state of North Carolina by Rivals.com.
In addition to the Louisville offer, he has received scholarships from Wake Forest, East Carolina, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, North Carolina State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Iowa State, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, Auburn, Miamia and the defending national runner-up, Alabama.
Other than the schools that have made an offer thus far, schools like Penn State, Southern California, Florida, Florida State and the defending national champions, Clemson have reached out and are keeping a close eye on him. This spring he has taken five unofficial visits to UNC, Wake Forest, Clemson, Auburn, and Alabama.
“Right now it is important that I build a strong relationship with the coaching staff and find the campus where I can both excel on the field and in the classroom”.
It is very clear that Rooks knows how to handle the recruiting process. His brother Patrick went through the exact same process himself, while Porter sat there and watched. Patrick played basketball at Clemson from 2013-2014.
“I mainly learned to be patient with making my decision. He committed right after his sophomore season and that turned out not to be the right choice”
Along with his outstanding football skills, Rooks also plays a big role on the varsity track and field team. He participates in two events; the 100 and the long jump. Porter’s personal record in the 100 is 10.97 seconds and 21ft 4in in the long jump.
Rooks is well on his way to be a high level DI athlete, but the hard work can’t stop now. He needs to continue to get better on and off the field to become the best athlete he can be. Rooks’ one goal for the remainder of his highschool career is to leave with a championship ring. With his leadership qualities and determination the there is no ceiling for his game to grow.
With his great attitude and determination Rooks has a bright future ahead of himself on the football field as well as in the classroom. Keep an eye out for Porter Rooks class of 2020 out of Providence Day School in the years to come. He is going to be a special one and will continue to improve his game in his final three years with the Chargers.
Links to highlights
Jacolbe Cowan
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/7892621/5845c966ff0d1b08503baf8b
Porter Rooks
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6822417/5817d644688ec21af4f76446
Recruiting profiles
Jacolbe Cowan
http://247sports.com/Player/Jacolbe-Cowan-46036315
Porter Rooks
http://247sports.com/Player/Porter-Rooks-93001
“Man, he’s 6-5 and 250, and having coached a lot of really good defensive ends, Jacolbe has the first two steps very much like what the big-time defensive ends have. And he has time to grow.” Adam Hastings, his head football coach, on Cowan's potential
The freshman’s biggest appeal to college coaches is frame.
“We are very positive people and are always wanting to uplift. We’re also very close. We spend the night at each others’ houses, hang out, and go to the movies. We didn’t know each other before we got to Providence Day, but ever since last summer he’s been my best bud.” - Cowan on his relationship with Rooks
Rooks eyes the end zone and makes a cut against rival Charlotte Christian. Photo courtesy of Heather Joyner.
Rooks running away from a Country Day defender looking to gain a first down for the Chargers. Photo Courtesy of Heather Joyner.
Rooks scores a touchdown while Cowan chases him down to celebrate. Photo Courtesy of Heather Joyner.
Cowan wacthes the game from the sidelines in a Chargers blowout win. Photo Courtesy of Connor Thomas
Cowan gets up after making a huge play on defense. Photo Courtesy of Heather Joyner
Cowan rushes the Charlotte Catholic quarterback. Photo Courtesy of Heather Joyner
Cowan and Rooks studying hard. Photo Courtesy of Porter Rooks
Cowan and Rooks stand together after a Chargers win. Photo Courtesy of Porter Rooks
Defensive End
Wide Reciever/Athlete
Highlights of Porter Rooks against Bishop Sullivan. Video courtesy of Rivals.
The Charger, May 2017
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