Rosewood's Guthrie signs with Campbell

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on February 8, 2013 1:47 PM

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Jacob Guthrie is not the typical high school football star who dreams about making highlight-reel plays in the Super Bowl.

He cares more about academics than athletics and he understands that being a good teammate is more important than being a standout.

Guthrie achieved his goal of playing college football Thursday when he signed to play at Campbell University next season. His bigger goal is yet to be determined.

"I really want to become a doctor," said Guthrie, who plans to major in bio chemistry. "Playing football is a great opportunity, but for me, getting an education at a school like Campbell is something special."

Guthrie, a senior at Rosewood High School, currently boasts a 4.25 weighted grade-point average.

"Jacob is truly a special student-athlete," Rosewood assistant coach Jason King said. "He has size, quick feet, all the intangibles, but he also has such a keen mind. That is what is going to help him on the next level."

While at Rosewood, Guthrie became known for his physical play along the offensive line as well as his ability to get into the opponent's backfield from his defensive line spot. Guthrie registered 51 tackles and 11 sacks as a senior. He was named to the News-Argus All-Area team and was a three-time all-Carolina 1-A Conference selection.

Guthrie will join a squad at Campbell that is coming off a 1-10 season in Division I FCS play. The Camels' only victory came over Virginia-Wise. Head coach Dale Steele was let go after the season and was replaced by former Carolina Panther safety Mike Minter.

"Having the chance to play for a guy like Coach Minter is exciting," Guthrie said. "Obviously he was a great high school player, a great college player at Nebraska and a great pro with the Panthers. He knows what it takes to become an All-American and that is something I strive to achieve."

Guthrie will give up his role as a defensive playmaker for an offensive guard spot with the Camels.

"Coach Minter and I talked and he mentioned that he was looking at some guys that were good defensive players in high school," Guthrie said. "He wants to take guys who have the quickness of a defensive end and turn them into pulling guards on the offensive side."

After a summer of workouts and conditioning, Guthrie will make his way to Buies Creek in late July to get ready for the fall season. The Camels begin practice Aug. 1.