Jake Tungate is a 5’10, 190lb. running back and linebacker at Mattawan High School in Mattawan, Michigan. Jake is a very talented athlete with great strength and intelligence. He is graduating in the class of 2025 and has a GPA of a 2.9 and even though he was diagnosed with ADHD, Jake plans to end his high school career with all A’s, so he is a very devoted person when it comes to education. However on the athletic side of things, Jake is a complete monster who can squat 425lb., has a 255 power clean, and benches 300/225×13. Jake also a great player on both offense and defense and averaged 420 total yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 42 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery in his junior year and averaged over 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns throughout his career. I believe that Jake is a very talented player and has a bright future in the making as long as he continues to work hard and get more attention.
What are some things you have overcome in life?
Growing up I was on the smaller side and the smaller kids sometimes get overlooked. I feel like I had to fight extra hard for every opportunity. I actually feel like this has strengthened me more than anything. I still play with that chip on my shoulder.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
One thing that I take pride in is being selected to be on the Leadership Council for my football program and is made up of players who represent leadership, passion, and commitment to the program, voice, and overall how they carry themselves and effect others for the better.
What player do you compare yourself to and why?
I compare myself to Blake Corum because I share a very similar build to Corum in both height and size. Some of the traits I think Corum is great at is the ability to break tackles, have good vision, agility, and know when to cut and find the right hole. I also think his pass blocking is also something he’s great in. I have all these traits as well because I can break tackles, very agile, and will get my nose in there to pass block for the QB.
What are your plans once you’re done with football and why?
I plan to go into business. I have not narrowed down what business yet but I have some ideas and I think as I go through college I will zero in on what path I want to take. My end goal when football is done is to own a business and give back to my parents for everything they’ve given me.
What do you like about the sport of football and how is it significant to you?
love the team aspect of it. I don’t think there is another sport that requires as much teamwork as football does. When all 11 guys execute their job on a play and you see how the play is successful, it really is a great example of teamwork. I also really like the contact in football. I love being physical and playing hard on the field.
What are your goals/new things you want to accomplish for this upcoming season?
I want our team to go to the playoffs, period. I think the team we will have next season has the talent and work ethic to win our way into the playoffs. My personal goal is I want to be around 195 lbs and gain speed and be even more agile than I am now. Achieving these goals will help me achieve my goals of being all conference, all region, and all state.
What is an interesting fact about you?
When I was younger I had abdomen pain which after some time working with doctors I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. It is a constant battle to make sure I do not eat gluten as I am allergic to it.
What colleges have you received any interest from if any and what is your dream college to play for?
I have some colleges interested in me. Some of the schools are Valpo, Hope College, Lawrence Tech, Carroll University, Carleton College, Trine University, Ohio Wesleyan University, etc.
