Jacob Hester

Jacob Hester (born May 8, 1985 in ) is an American football running back for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State University.

Early years

Hester attended Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana where he earned Louisiana 5A Offensive MVP in 2002. He rushed for 868 yards and 22 touchdowns on 182 carries, leading his team to the 5A championship game his senior year. During his junior year, he led his team to the state title, rushing for 1,593 yards and 24 TD's on 222 attempts in 2002. He is also good friends with former USC starting quarterback John David Booty, who is an old high school buddy now with the Minnesota Vikings.

College career

In 2004, Hester played as a freshman in all 12 games, with just one start. He finished his rookie year with 20 carries for 123 yards and added two passes for 21 yards. He also played on special teams and had nine tackles.

In 2005, Hester played in 13 games with one start. He ran for 70 yards on 13 carries in a win against Miami in the Peach Bowl. Hester eventually finished the season with 114 yards and two TDs on 25 carries, and was also second amongst LSU running backs with 11 catches for 63 yards. He also participated in special teams, recording 14 tackles.

As a junior in 2006, he started at both tailback and fullback. Hester caught 35 passes for 269 yards, and ran for 440 yards, while also notching seven tackles on special teams.

As a senior in 2007, he was named a permanent team captain. He was the starting tailback for the Tigers. He rushed 225 times for 1103 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had 14 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. He was LSU's leading rusher in ten of fourteen games. His first 100 yard game came against Florida. Hester gained 106 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown. He was recognized as SEC Offensive Player of the Week and the Sporting News National Player of the Week for his efforts. Hester's longest run of the season came on an 87-yard touchdown against Louisiana Tech. He rushed for a career-high 126 yards on 28 carries against Arkansas. In the final game of his college career in the national championship game against Ohio State he rushed 21 times for 86 yards and a touchdown. He did all of this while being a part of a five-man rotation with Keiland Williams, Trindon Holliday, Charles Scott, and Richard Murphy.

Professional career

San Diego Chargers

Hester was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round (69th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. On July 18, he signed a four-year contract that included a $833,000 signing bonus.

In his preseason debut with the Chargers, Hester rushed for 49 yards over 13 carries, and scored two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. In the Chargers' disappointingly low-scoring preseason game against the St. Louis Rams, Hester carried for 59 yards in 12 carries, but scored no touchdowns with an offensive line made up of mostly second- and third-string players.