LSU football: 10 best players of the Les Miles Era
Aug 8, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Denver Broncos running back Jacob Hester (22) runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jacob Hester
Jacob Hester may not have finished his career with the same jaw-dropping numbers that some of the other players on this list produced. But that should not take away from his valuable contributions to the LSU football team.
Hester was the starting running back for the 2007 BCS National Champions, and his role on that team was just as important as anyone. As a matter of fact, the Tigers would likely have not even been playing in the title game if not for him.
No. 9 Florida and legendary quarterback Tim Tebow rolled into Death Valley with hopes of unseating top-ranked LSU. Through three quarters, it appeared as if the Gators were going to pull off the upset. Down by 10, Demetrius Byrd caught a touchdown pass from Matt Flynn to bring the Tigers within a field goal with 10:15 left on the clock.
55 seconds later, they embarked on a 65-yard, eight-minute drive that would become a part of LSU football lore forever.
Shortly after trucking Florida safety Major Wright in the most iconic play of his career, Hester lined up in the backfield on fourth-and-one from the six-yard line. Les Miles put the game in the hands of his team captain at running back, who willed his way to a first down. Three plays later, he plowed into the endzone for the game-winning touchdown.
Hester was known for his tremendous work effort, versatility, and durability at LSU. He compiled a total of 2,234 total yards and 27 touchdowns, while not missing a start during the final two seasons of his career. In addition to his contributions at both tailback and fullback, he also recorded 38 tackles on special teams.
His performance on that game-winning drive to beat Florida and keep the Tigers’ national title hopes alive, however, will always the first thing that comes to mind when LSU football fans hear the name Jacob Hester.
Next: LaRon Landry