Jacob Kibodi

Jacob Kibodi
No. 35 – New Orleans Saints
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born: (1998-10-04) October 4, 1998 (age 26)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school:Christian Life Academy
(Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
College:Texas A&M (2017–2019)
Incarnate Word (2020)
Louisiana (2021–2023)
Undrafted:2024
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Practice squad
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Jacob Kibodi (born October 4, 1998) is an American professional football running back for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies and Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.

Early life

Kibodi was born on October 4, 1998.[1] Before he was born, doctors had suggested to his mother to get an abortion, stating, according The Advocate, that Kibodi "wasn't growing the proper way and he would be diminutive if she had him."[2] She went against the doctors' advice after being encouraged by Kibodi's father, who "encouraged her and told her that everything would be alright through their faith in God."[2]

One of three children, Kibodi grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.[1][2] He attended Christian Life Academy, joining the football team mid-season as a high school freshman after having gave up being a member of the school band.[2] As a junior, he totaled 76 carries for 842 yards and 12 touchdowns along with 18 receptions for 324 yards and five touchdowns.[3] He then ran for 1,208 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior, being an all-region selection.[4] A three-star recruit, he committed to play college football for the Texas A&M Aggies.[5]

College career

Kibodi appeared in five games as a freshman at Texas A&M in 2017, running for 121 yards and a touchdown.[4] He played two games in 2018 and ran for 26 yards.[4] In 2019, he started two games and finished the season with 31 rushes for 123 yards and a touchdown, along with six receptions.[6] He transferred to the Incarnate Word Cardinals for the 2020 season, but did not play as their season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7]

In 2021, Kibodi transferred a second time, joining the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.[8] He was a walk-on with Louisiana and saw no playing time in 2021.[5][9] In 2022, he appeared in nine games and was fifth on the team with 37 rushes for 169 yards.[9] As a senior in 2023, Kibodi ran 129 times for 729 yards and seven touchdowns, also catching nine passes for 79 yards.[10] He ended his collegiate career having run 211 times for 1,168 yards and nine touchdowns, also having caught 19 passes for 132 yards and another touchdown.[11]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0+1⁄2 in
(1.84 m) 		218 lb
(99 kg) 		31+5⁄8 in
(0.80 m) 		8+3⁄4 in
(0.22 m)		 4.64 s 1.66 s 2.66 s 4.57 s 7.41 s 30.5 in
(0.77 m)		 10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)		 15 reps
All values from Pro Day[12]

After going unselected in the 2024 NFL draft, Kibodi signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent.[13] He was waived on August 27, and re-signed to the practice squad.[14][15]

References

  1. ^ a b "Jacob Kibodi". Fox Sports.
  2. ^ a b c d Cadwell, Canaan (July 2, 2016). "Christian Life running back Jacob Kibodi putting in the work on, off the field". The Advocate.
  3. ^ Lopez, Andrew (October 5, 2016). "Christian Life 2017 RB Jacob Kibodi commits to Texas A&M". Nola.com.
  4. ^ a b c "Jacob Kibodi". Texas A&M Aggies.
  5. ^ a b Fitzpatrick, Jamarcus (October 3, 2023). "Jacob Kibodi proves being a walk-on can pay off". KATC.
  6. ^ Buckley, Tim (April 20, 2021). "Here is what we know about Ragin' Cajuns running back Jacob Kibodi, a transfer from Texas A&M". The Daily Advertiser.
  7. ^ Foote, Kevin (August 16, 2022). "Ragin' Cajuns need RB Jacob Kibodi to take advantage of his last big opportunity". The Advocate.
  8. ^ Buckley, Tim (February 3, 2021). "Jacob Kibodi, former Texas A&M running back, transfers to Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns". The Daily Advertiser.
  9. ^ a b "Jacob Kibodi". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.
  10. ^ "Saints' Jacob Kibodi: Lands with New Orleans". CBS Sports. RotoWire. April 28, 2024.
  11. ^ "Jacob Kibodi College Stats". Sports-Reference.com.
  12. ^ "Jacob Kibodi College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  13. ^ Foote, Kevin (April 30, 2024). "A UL football player is living his dream after signing with the Saints". The Advocate.
  14. ^ "New Orleans Saints announce roster moves". NewOrleansSaints.com. August 27, 2024.
  15. ^ "New Orleans Saints announce roster moves". NewOrleansSaints.com. August 28, 2024.