Norman North's Jake Roberts Character Counts sponsored by INTEGRIS Norman Express Care

Tight end Jake Roberts cracked the varsity roster as a sophomore. He’s playing on special teams and scout team in practice – still young but talented enough to not be able to keep from the varsity level.

But he’s been around the program for almost as long as coach Brent Barnes can remember.

“He’s one of those kids you’ve seen at all your camps and all summer,” Barnes said. “He’s around all the time. He loves the game. He loves working. He loves being with the guys. Even though he’s just a sophomore, we feel like we’ve known him for a long time. He’s one of those kids who has always been around. … He’s a great kid. His character and everything is exactly what you want.”

Roberts is a participant in SPUD (Students Performing Unselfish Deeds) – Norman North’s annual fundraising group that raised $223,000 last year according to Roberts. He is a member of For Real, a leadership class through the United Way, and his confirmation group at St. Thomas More, a weekly religious education class.

“I just try to be a leader whenever I can, be supportive of my teammates and friends off the field,” Roberts said. “I try to be a nice guy and supportive.”

Roberts has gone on service aid retreats to help less fortunate and said that his leadership class has helped him to grow as a leader. He has always tried to stay involved to grow as a person and meet “all kinds of new people.”

But he said his work with SPUD has been one of his most amazing experiences.

“Seeing the people that receive the money and just how much it helps them and how much we can do for someone in our community – it’s just a big deal,” Roberts said.

Roberts has a long history with the Norman North football program. And although he has just two years left in high school, he’s in line to have a good future with the Timberwolves as well.

“He’s a great kid, and he’s a good player,” Barnes said. “He’s got a future with us, for sure.”