Jeff Lake (2013) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Jeff Lake

Induction:
2013
Class:
1986

1982-85
Linebacker

18959

There are few college football players who earn the right to start as a freshman. Jeff Lake is one who did, and he also led The University of Akron football team in tackles as a rookie.

After making 148 stops, one interception and one forced fumble as a freshman in 1982, Lake went on to top the team and the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) in tackles for two more seasons.

Lake’s sophomore year in 1983 proved to be most memorable. While accumulating 163 tackles, four interceptions and recovering two fumbles he helped UA compile an 8-3 record, as it became only the fifth team in program history dating back to 1891 to win eight or more games. In addition, Lake and the Zips defense only allowed 12 touchdowns that season and finished second in scoring defense in the NCAA I-AA, allowing just 9.4 points per game. That effort by Lake earned him the team’s Outstanding Defensive Performance award, first team All-OVC accolades and honorable mention on the Associated Press All-America team.

In 1984, Lake had a career-high 171 tackles, batted down six passes, had one interception, one recovered fumble and he again was accorded UA’s Outstanding Defensive Performance award.

Despite falling to third on the team in tackles with 135 his senior year (1985), Lake, who started in 44 of the 45 games in which he played, still was instrumental in UA having another banner season as it compiled another 8-4 campaign. It earned the 10th-ranked Zips a berth in the NCAA I-AA Playoffs where they lost to Rhode Island, 35-27.