By Vincent Mercogliano

Ten days after his eighteenth birthday, Hofstra’s true freshman tailback Brock Jackolski found himself thrust into the role of feature back for the Pride’s homecoming game against the University of Rhode Island Rams.

Hofstra’s young back is a soft-spoken, quietly confident type of individual. So, did he foresee himself making such a significant impact for his team this early in his collegiate career?

“Not at all,” said Jackolski. “I was supposed to redshirt – it all happened so quickly.”

Jackolski rushed for 144 yards in that contest which Hofstra won, 23-20. Since then, the Pride (3-7) have had some tough breaks but Coach Dave Cohen’s first-year tailback from Shirley, NY has been a bright spot.

“His level of concentration and attention to detail coupled with his intensity exemplify his maturity,” said Coach Cohen. “He has very quick feet and finishes every run.”

While attending William Floyd High School in Suffolk County, Jackolski became accustomed to success. In his three years on the varsity team they never lost, compiling an impressive 33-0 record. For his career, Jackolski had 3,703 rushing yards and a total of 66 touchdowns.

“My high school career was probably the greatest career I could have ever expected,” he said.

As graduation approached and Division I programs were vying for Jackolski’s commitment, he said he knew that there was one situation that he now calls “a perfect fit.”

Hofstra was not the biggest school that recruited Jackolski, but it was the one that made the most sense for the 2007 High School All-American.

“Hofstra’s only 45 minutes away from my house,” said Jackolski. “I don’t think I would have been able to go somewhere hours away from home.”

Jackolski credits Hofstra’s coaching staff for luring him in, and says he felt a connection with Coach Cohen that made his decision that much easier.

“Coach Cohen is a guy that will really do anything for his team,” he said.

Despite his gaudy numbers in high school and his status as one of the most heavily recruited players on Long Island, Jackolski found himself at the bottom of the depth chart entering preseason camp.

He remained humble, and had a positive outlook on the situation at the ripe age of 17. Jackolski understood that you have to pay your dues at this level, and nothing was going to be handed to him. But when opportunity knocked, he was ready and willing to answer the call.

“A week in [training camp], there were five backs ahead of me because of seniority and I knew they were really good backs,” said Jackolski. “But then all of a sudden, a guy got kicked off the team and a few guys got hurt and I found myself on the field.”

And his response was one that gained the coaching staff’s attention right away.

“He was running by some of the older defensive players,” said Coach Cohen. “I said to myself, ‘This guy can make plays for us.'”

In Jackolski’s mind, he knew that the chance to earn his spot was there for the taking. It was just a matter of him recognizing the fact that his ability was that of a player who belonged on the field, even as a true freshman.

That realization came during camp as his reps steadily increased.

“During camp we had team scrimmages and I had been doing well against the second team,” said the freshman tailback. “Then I started getting reps with the first team and I realized I was still doing what I had done against the second team.”

Even though Jackolski had impressed his coaches in the preseason, he did not break camp as the starting tailback.

In Hofstra’s opening game against the University of Connecticut, he did not receive a carry (in part due to the Pride playing from behind the entire game). The following week against the University of Albany he served as the backup to sophomore Everette Benjamin, and scored a touchdown to tie the game in the fourth quarter.

But it wasn’t until the Pride’s third game of the year, their homecoming contest against URI, in which Jackolski showed Hofstra fans what his capabilities truly are.

“The URI game gave me the confidence I could do it against other teams as well,” said a reflective Jackolski.

After Jackolski’s break out game, it was clear to Coach Cohen that he had to find ways to get his talented freshman back more touches.

“I knew it was going to happen,” said Coach Cohen. “The URI game was just confirmation.”

Since then, Jackolski’s carries have increased, but he has been limited at times due to a nagging hip injury. When he’s played he’s shown that he can be the most effective runner on the team. His 6.3 yards per carry average is the best on the team.

His best statistical game came in an away game against Bucknell, in which he ran for 170 yards and three touchdowns. Of those three touchdown runs, the shortest was a 29-yarder.

Even with games like the one against Bucknell, Jackolski says he is still not satisfied with the season. The main reason being the struggles his team has been through.

“Losing is definitely the most frustrating thing for me,” he said. “I mean, I never lost in three years (in high school)… it’s definitely been a weird experience.”

It’s winning attitudes like Jackolski’s that Coach Cohen will look to lead Hofstra into the future. He used a significant amount of sophomores and freshmen in prominent roles this season, and hopes that they will have learned from their early experience.

“We’re starting a lot of freshman, and they’re getting quality time and getting better,” said Coach Cohen. “Brock, along with many of them, have very bright futures.”

Jackolski remains confident that he made the right choice, and looks forward to what may still come. Coach Cohen has said that Jackolski is his starter, and will look to improve upon this season with his many other talented young players.

“It’s only going to get better,” said Jackolski. “We have a bunch of freshmen starting already, and we have more who aren’t playing yet that are really good athletes.”

In the meantime, he knows there are still areas where he can improve. He specifically mentioned that he is working on his vertical running game, and wants to become a more complete, all-around running back.

For now, with the season nearing completion, he can try to soak in his new college lifestyle – something he has yet to fully enjoy.

“So far it’s just been football. That’s been my life,” said Jackolski. “I’m sure I’ll get to experience more things in the offseason.”

Experience it while you can, Brock. Hofstra fans will be counting on you to help turn things around next season.