2022 OT Jake Maikkula Discusses Top Schools


On the 31st, Class of 2022 3-star OT Jake Maikkula trimmed his list of schools from 27 to his Top 8. The schools that made the cut were Kansas State, Missouri, Minnesota, Cal, Virginia, Duke, Colorado, and Nebraska. Jake plays at Valor Christian High School in Littleton, CO and is rated as one of the top players in the state of Colorado.

Here are some things that stood out to him about each school on his top list:

Missouri- "Incredible facilities and the ability to play in the SEC. I really like the coaches there as well and the area is great. Coach (Marcus) Johnson does an exceptional job developing his players."

Cal- "Amazing area and outstanding academics. I really like the staff and Coach (Angus) McClure teaches the game in a way that really makes sense to me and that I can see myself fitting in with."

Kansas State- "An amazing group of guys in the locker room and the coaching staff is full of genuinely good people who teach the game very well and develop players very well."

Virginia- "An amazing staff with Coach (Garett) Tujague and Coach (Bronco) Mendenhall. Great academics and a beautiful campus as well. The offensive system is one I could fit in well with and the development is outstanding."

Minnesota- "One of the best cultures in college football. A very skilled program in building players to their physical peak. I have family in Minnesota and really like the energy off the coaching staff lead by Coach (P.J.) Fleck. I also really like Coach (Brian) Callahan."

Colorado- It would be very easy for my parents to go to games. I really like the staff and think Coach (Karl) Dorrell is going to do an amazing job. I really enjoy talking to Coach (Mitch) Rodrigue and like the way he teaches the game."

Nebraska- "A phenomenal football atmosphere and college town. Incredible facilities and one of my favorite stadiums. I really like the staff as well and think that Coach (Greg) Austin develops his players really well."

Duke- "An incredible academic institution with an amazing group of coaches. Coach (Greg) Frey is one of the most knowledgeable coaches in football and I really like the area and staff. My grandma also lives very close to Duke."

He has visits scheduled to these schools all throughout the summer. He already got to Missouri (June 2nd) on an unofficial visit, Cal (June 4th-6th) on an official visit, and Kansas State (June 9th) on an unofficial visit, he had nothing but great things to say about the visits as he enjoyed getting know coaches and players and touring the facilities and areas, as well as learning about the academics. Jake also says he will be visiting Virginia (June 11th-13th) on an official visit, Minnesota (June 16th) on an unofficial visit, Colorado (6/18th-20th) on an official visit, Nebraska (June 21st-23rd) on an official visit, and Duke (June 25th-27th) on an official visit. 

When I asked Jake what he looks for in schools he told me "Academics are a big factor as well as football. However, it will ultimately come down to the people and the fit." 

Jake is a very hard worker and dedicated player; He loves the game of football and being in the weight room. His main goal is to be the best he can possibly be and to win big. As a player, Jake tries to model his game after Washington lineman Roger Rosengarten who helped Jake get better when he was a senior and Jake was only a sophomore. Jake says he tries his hardest to play at the standard that Rosengarten set for Valor Christian tackles.

- Tyler Bannerman (@realtbannerman)

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