Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s Jacob Smith is headed to Hampden-Sydney College to play football.

Smith expects to play at the long snapper position. Smith said right when he stepped on campus, it felt like home to him.

“It felt like somewhere I wanted to spend my next four years growing as a player and as a person,” he said. “On my recruiting visit, I really connected with the coaches, especially Coach (Wes) Dodson. I really like how they run the program as a whole.”

Smith, who is also a member of the NSA baseball team, always thought he was going to be playing baseball in college but ultimately decided to play football, which he called one of the toughest decisions of his life. He may still try to play at HSC. Smith credited former Saints coach Mike Biehl for helping him through the whole process. His family also helped by supporting him in whatever decision he made in regards to his future.

“I couldn’t have done this process without Coach Biehl,” he said. “He has been the best coach I have ever had and his two years at NSA has taught more about football and life than in all of my years. First Colonial is getting a phenomenal coach. I want to thank NSA and everything they have done for me over these last 13 years.”

Though he wishes he could have gotten into the playoffs for his senior season, Smith was happy with his last season he was able to play with his brothers. He has plans to major in English or communications. His academic goals in his first year are to improve his grades and to establish a good grade point average.

Last season, Hampden-Sydney finished 6-4 overall and placed third in their conference.