By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine
I watched the Loyola College Prep demolition of Cedar Creek last month and was really impressed with several players for the Flyers’ record-breaking offense.
One receiver jumped out at me as somebody to follow in the recruiting Class of 2026. Jake Black looked Division I-ready, showing great route running, hands, and speed, and is 6-1,180 with great football speed. Black last year had a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against North DeSoto, to give you an example of his top end speed.
He is the total package for FBS programs in the Sun Belt or Conference USA, at least, and definitely a great get for FCS teams like in the Southland Conference or the SWAC.
And here’s the incredible thing – he’s a classic sleeper who says he hasn’t been talking to any colleges yet. I do not understand.
The season has been special so far. Loyola has dominated every opponent in its 5-0 start, and Black has 25 catches for 408 yards including seven touchdown receptions.
He is a very polished wide receiver that you can just hand a playbook to learn the offense and he will be ready to go in college. Why? He’s smart. Jake carries a 3.9 GPA and his ACT score currently stands at 26.
Black is a pretty good baseball player too, who can play all three spots in the outfield. Since his freshman season, he has been named all-district all three years on the diamond.
His dad played football for Southwood High School back in the day as a three-year starter at offensive tackle.
Jake loves wearing Snoopy on his helmet.
“Playing for Loyola College Prep has been an amazing experience, and I wouldn’t want to suit up for any other school. Coach John Sella is an incredible leader who truly brings out the best in us,” said Black.
“Coach Steven Geter, our offensive coordinator, has a great mind for the game. His play calling always puts us in the best position to succeed. Coach Sherrod Lewis, our wide receivers coach, pushes us every day to perfect our routes and elevate our craft,” said Black. “I’m grateful to be part of a program with such great coaches and teammates.”
He didn’t get going with football before high school. Black said that has helped him in one key aspect.
“Coming into the sport later than some players pushed me to work even harder to catch up and improve every season,” he said. “I take pride in being coachable and always looking for ways to get better, whether it’s refining my route running, improving my hands, or studying film to understand defenses.
“My goal is to be a reliable, disciplined receiver who makes plays and helps my team win in any way I can.”
Black hasn’t played football for very long, but he knows a good WR when he sees one.
“My favorite receiver today would be Ladd McConkey. I watched him play at Georgia and now with the Los Angeles Chargers and his success really inspires me. He’s not the biggest guy on the field, but his work ethic and grit set him apart, and that’s the kind of player I strive to be every time I step on the field.”
Black also loves baseball and believes being a two-sport athlete is beneficial to his development, and could play a role in his college choice.
“Competing year-round keeps me sharp and helps me continue improving as an all around athlete,” he said. “I would love the opportunity to be able to play both in college.”
Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com
(Lee Brecheen is the longtime publisher of Louisiana Football Magazine, covering all of the state’s high school teams each year since 1997. He’s been tracking high school recruits since 1992. Free content can be found at the website lafootballmagazine.com. Lee hosts a podcast with guests from around the state — The Sports Scouting Report with Lee Brecheen, available on YouTube.)