Interview with Duke signee, three-star offensive guard, Jacob Monk

Jacob Monk became Duke’s highest rated recruit at his position in program history when he signed with the Blue Devils on Wednesday. Monk is from Wendell, North Carolina, where he attends Corinth Holders High School.

Monk received multiple NCAA Division I-A (FBS) offers, including schools such as Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. He ultimately decided to sign with Duke, signing his letter of intent to play in Durham.

I had the privilege of speaking with Jacob and was able to ask him a few questions. The questions, along with Jacob’s responses can be found below.

Q: What about Duke really grabbed your attention?
A: “I’ve been a Duke fan my whole life so it’s hard to really pick a specific thing that grabbed my attention at Duke.”

Q: Is there anyone in particular on the coaching staff who reeled you in?
A: “Coach Cut did. I wasn’t really wanting to go to Duke when my process started out. I wanted to go to another school that’s blue that’s close by actually. But after I talked to Coach Cut face to face before the Baylor game I knew it was right.”

Q: How much did Duke being your father’s alumni play into your decision?
A: “It had little to nothing to do with my decision. I didn’t feel like it was expected of me because I want to be my own person and learn and go through my own struggles.”

Q: How do you feel about your first college game being against Alabama?
A: “I’m ready for it. To be the best you have to beat the best and even if you don’t win you’ll know exactly what kind of team you have early on by the amount of fight that is put in during the game.”

Q: In general, how was the recruiting process? Is there any advice you have for others who will go through it in the future?
A: “Advice I can give to others is remain humble through it all. The moment you start thinking that you yourself are bigger than your own team or the process itself is when it will all crumble down. Trust yourself in making the right decision and make the smartest decision for you and your family that will take care of you the rest of your life because football doesn’t last forever.”

I would like to thank Jacob once again for spending time chatting with us.

Images via 247 Sports and Johnstonian News