The 5'10" 190lb senior long snapper will further his football playing at the North Carolina NCAA Division II Wingate University as a Bulldog.  

Rooker was hurt his Junior year on the first game of the first play when he broke four ribs and had a collapsed lung had to sit out the rest of the season. He than came back this year for his senior year after going through heavy weight training in the gym to earn the Center and long Snapping position. 

Rooker's father, Larry stated, "with hard work and determination has paid off for Jake and dreams do come True with my Son will be playing at the next level of football on Saturday."

"All the Countless hours me and Jake have put in every day at home or on the football in the afternoons after school has paid off. Don't never give up on your dream," Larry Rooker added.

He also stated, "I would like to thank coach Eric MacDaniels for pushing Jake to the next level and believing in him and pushing the education importance to his students on the football field and in the classroom. I'm so glad my son got to play for a great coach at RRHS."

When asked why he chose Wingate, Jake Rooker stated the following reason, "Not only because they offered my intended major but it felt like a home away from home. The players treated me as if I were already apart of the team. They considered me to be one of their brothers. The campus had such a great environment and was full of life an energy. The coaches don't just see you as another player, they know you by name. They see you as a friend. I still get calls from Coach Ulassin and Coach Reich just checking in on me, asking me how I'm doing and everything."

Rooker added, " I wouldn't be here today without the amazing coaching staff at RRHS always pushing the athletes to their limits and showing them their true potential. Each and everyone of the coaches have taught me a life lesson. I see them all as a second dad. I would also like to thank the dedicated fans who support the yellow jackets every Friday night and also would like to thank my parents who have sacrificed everything to make sure I am set for the future. Being able to look into the stands and seem the cheering me on is the best feeling in the world. I'd also like to thank all 40 some of my brothers who supported me and stood in battle with me on the field. I am truly blessed to be where I am today. #1Dog"

Rooker received All-Conference honorable mention for his accomplishments on the field this past season. In the classroom, he carries a 3.3 GPA as a member of the Roanoke Rapids Honor Roll. Jake is the son of Larry and Lynn Rooker of Roanoke Rapids.

Pictured above is: (Front row left to right) Father Larry Rooker, Jake Rooker and Mother Lynn Rooker. (Back row left to right) RRHS football assistant coach Tyler Snyder, RRHS Athletic trainer Josh Clark, RRHS assistant coach Aubrey Coker  RRHS Athletic Director and head coach Eric McDaniels, RRHSA assistant coach Brett Donmoyer , Chaloner Middle Athletic Director and Chaloner Middle head football coach Kirk Wynn and RRHS assistant coach Steve Milligan.