Get to Know... Jacob Judd

Senior offensive lineman prepares for the 2017 season

All-Missouri Valley Football Conference award, check. Twice.
NCAA Playoff appearance, check.
Academic All-MVFC, check. Twice.
CoSIDA Academic All-District, check. Twice.
CoSIDA Academic All-America, check.
Western Illinois graduate, check.

When it comes to accolades in the classroom or on the football field, there isn't much that fifth-year senior offensive lineman Jacob Judd has yet to accomplish.

He stepped into the starting line-up at center during fall camp of his sophomore year. He redshirted in 2013 and only saw action in four games the following season, so when he got the starting call, Judd was very much an unproven player. That quickly changed.

Judd started all 13 games his sophomore year, helping lead the offense record the fifth-most total yards in program history (5,119). He and his teammates along the offensive line ranked among the 'Top 35' nationally in fewest tackles for a loss allowed and sacks allowed. Western returned to the national rankings and thanks to a double-overtime home win over South Dakota State, the Leathernecks earned a spot in the FCS Playoffs.

The 2016 season got off to a fast start as Judd and the Leathernecks defeated a FBS opponent (Northern Illinois) for the first time since 2003. Western got ranked as high as seventh in the country and was sitting pretty at 6-2. However, a late season losing streak ended Western's dreams of consecutive playoff appearances. Now as he enters his senior year, Judd's goals for this year are pretty simple.

"Winning a Missouri Valley Football Conference championship and winning a National Championship," said Judd.

He already earned his bachelor's degree from Western, majoring in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. In fact, he is currently pursuing his master's degree in the same field and knows what the next academic step is for him.

"My undergraduate degree was in LEJA and I'm currently in the master's program at WIU for the same. I plan on getting my PhD after I'm done."

A lot of preparation for the 2017 campaign took place during the off-season, however, like any college student Judd made sure to take some time off.

"I went with my teammate Brett (Taylor) to Wisconsin to visit his brother. We went to a trampoline park and went skiing. It was a good time," said Judd. "I also went rafting and canoeing in Iowa and Missouri with my family and friends."

Just like any other fifth-year senior, Judd can see his growth over his career, especially in one area.

"Maturity. I've had to go away from family and friends, live on my own and take care of my own business," admitted Judd. "It was hard at first, but it was worth it… I've prided myself on doing my best in every possible aspect of my life. I've realized that if I'm going to be away from my close family and friends, then I'm going to take advantage of every opportunity I get."

Most student-athletes have a pregame routine and the Clinton, Iowa, native is no different.

"I pray before every game," stated Judd. "I thank God for the opportunities he's given me, and ask for guidance and strength for the trials ahead."

The senior center can also point to his family, and specifically his mom for his success.

"My mom has been my biggest supporter through everything I've done and still is today. I can never repay her for everything she has done for me."

With all the academic and athletic accomplishments achieved throughout his career, the one thing that people would be surprised to find out about him isn't even football or classroom related.

"I used to travel around Iowa as a child and would win Cutest Toddler contests," admitted Judd. "I have around 20 trophies in my time."

Judd and the Leathernecks open the 2017 season on Thursday, August 31, at Tennessee Tech.

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Players Mentioned

#66 Jacob Judd: OL; 6' 3"; Senior; Clinton

Players Mentioned

#66 Jacob Judd
: 6' 3"; Senior; Clinton
: OL

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Players Mentioned

#66 Jacob Judd

Players Mentioned

#66 Jacob Judd