Jaquemain Column from JJHuddle

[Captain Kangaroo]

Talented QB headed to Akron

by Matt Natali

The Mentor Cardinals went 7-3 in 2004 finishing ninth in Region 1 and barely missing the playoffs. Despite falling short of the post season, the Cardinals had an overall successful season, thanks in large part to Chris Jacquemain.

Jacquemain is among Ohio's elite as he is ranked 82nd among the top 100 in the Class of 2005 according to Ohio High magazine, the official publication of JJHuddle.com.

Early in his high school career, Jacquemain attended a couple different schools before finding a home at Mentor and becoming an impact player for the Cardinals.

His athleticism and size (6-3, 200 lbs) allowed him to play several different positions in high school, including wide receiver, safety and quarterback. He excelled in all three positions, but was raw in each one since he never had a chance settle into a position for an extended period of time.

However, his ability and potential at quarterback had the colleges and universities taking interest. Most of the MAC schools, as well as Pittsburgh, were vying for Jacquemain's services according to Mentor head coach Steve Trivisonno. However, Jacquemain ended his recruiting trail when he gave his verbal commitment to the Akron Zips back in November.

"He really s likes the new facilities up there, he likes coach Brookhart, and it is only about fifty minutes from here," said Trivisonno.

Although he has been recruited as quarterback, both Jacquemain and Akron are open to moving him to a receiver position should he not pan out at quarterback according to Trivisonno. But, all indications are that after a couple of years of guided development at the college level, Jacquemain could be a special quarterback.