On third and seven, Middle Tennessee State was backed up to its own 5-yard line with 6:20 remaining in the first quarter. As MTSU quarterback Austin Grammer dropped back in the pocket, University of Memphis senior linebacker Tank Jakes crashed into the backfield, sacking Grammar and recording his first career safety.
Jakes went on to help lead the Tigers to a 36-17 victory over the Blue Raiders. He recorded the best game of his career, affecting the game in almost every way possible. He posted seven total tackles, including three tackles for loss; two sacks, one of which caused the safety; and forced a fumble. Jakes also pulled down interception.
The American Athletic Conference, the Tennessee Sportswriters Association and College Sports Madness all named Jakes their respective Defensive Player of the Week. The College Football Performance Awards also named Jakes the national linebacker of the week.
Head coach Justin Fuente said he credits Jakes’ football I.Q. and his assistant coaches for Jakes’ success.
“He's a good football player,” Fuente said after the MTSU win. “Like I've said before, he understands the game. He's very heavy and he can get into cracks and crevices and make plays. I think coach (Barry) Odom as the coordinator and coach (Galen) Scott as the linebackers coach have done a great job putting him in situations to succeed, and he's certainly taken advantage of that.”
Jakes explained how he does not want to become complacent and that he wants to keep his intensity up going into the next game.
“I just want to keep playing,” Jakes said after the MTSU game. “I don’t want to base myself off my performance tonight. I want to make sure I have an even better week next week.”
Through three games this season, Jakes has 21 solo tackles, 25 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Through Jakes’ first two years with the Tigers, he had 8.5 tackles for loss in each season and only had one forced fumble and one interception. This year, Jakes has already set single-season career highs in tackles for loss, and forced fumbles.
Junior linebacker Wynton McManis said he believes Jakes’ instincts are what make him the player he is.
“He's always in a good mood, but when it's time to turn it on, he can turn it on just like that,” McManis said on Monday. “He has that ability. Everyone doesn't have it, but he does. He's not a tall guy. He's not a big guy. When you see him you wouldn't think that he is the one making all of these big plays. That's Tank. I think it's his instinct. He knows the game of football. It's not just on the field or in the film room or film study; he knows the game of football very well.”
Jakes and the Tigers travel to Oxford this weekend to take on 10th ranked Ole Miss. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m.
