WOODLAND HILLS — A moment crosses into the mind and heart of Taft junior running back Jacob Southall.
He closes his eyes and remembers the smell and taste of warm pasta and the sweetness of deep-fried Oreos.
Signature dishes and favorites of Southall, from his mother, Erin Finley.
What’s left of Finley are those happy memories for Southall, who runs his hardest during play in her memory. Finley passed away on Jan. 18, 2024.
“I do everything for her,” Southall said.
Football is the outlet Southall is using to chase his dreams.
“This is the only way out,” Southall said. “If it’s not this, it’s a regular job. I don’t plan on working. I plan on making it to the NFL.”
Southall has risen as a junior. He’s become an all-purpose running back who can use his sturdy 5-foot-7 frame to exploit and run through holes. Southall can also catch passes, an added layer of his game that grew this offseason working with head coach Thomas Randolph and assistant coaches Jason Taylor and Ali Mirbaha.
“The kids have to want it more than you want it for them,” Randolph said. “He wants to win, wants to work hard and doesn’t want to take days off. He’s here all day, every day. He gets extra workouts on weekends. When you get that kid, you’re hoping everyone is seeing his success and recognition.”
A change of diet has turned Southall into a running back who is both lean and durable. He’s surpassed all of last year’s total halfway through 2026 with 576 rushing yards on 9.2 yards per carry, 16 receptions for 212 yards and nine combined touchdowns (six rushing, three receiving).
“I realized that I was better than everyone on the field and that’s what you have to live by,” Southall said.
Physical growth displayed by Southall is matched by an aptitude and demeanor that he’s carried into practice. He’s never late for practice and has become a voice in the locker room Randolph can depend on as Taft attempts to regain its foothold as one of the premier tackle football programs in the San Fernando Valley.
“With the first season and to now, he’s one of the leaders of our program,” Randolph said. “I’m letting him be him, and I’m a big believer in meeting the kids where they’re at. He came in with a goal, and he came in with what he wanted to get out of the game. When a kid loves football that much, you put the (structure) about them to be successful.”
Southall believes in himself and believes in the coaching he’s being given at Taft. But his reasons for playing and achieving are rooted in his love for family.
He remembers those days smiling and being served pasta for dinner and deep-fried Oreos for dessert. And there’s a family that loves him as well, even if it’s not the same as it was.
Southall’s aunt Jacqueline Ficke takes him to school and then comes to practice ready to learn, lead, and grow with teammates.
Family is the motivator that continues to push Southall every day to push new boundaries and reach new heights.
“My mom gives me the motivation that drives me forward,” Southall said.