Jake Hescock, a former student and football player at the University of Central Florida, passed away on Tuesday. Today we are honoring Jake, an outstanding football player from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Jake is a star athlete who has dedicated himself to the game and achieved tremendous success. With his hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport, he has earned great respect and admiration from his teammates, coaches, and the UCF community.
How Did UCF Football Player Jake Dies?
According to FOX 35 in Orlando, Hescock had a cardiac arrest while jogging in Boston last week. Unfortunately, the medical incident left him with a significant brain injury, and he required life support before passing away. The demise of former Knights tight end Jake Hescock shook today’s sports community.
As a redshirt senior in 2021, Hescock participated in all 12 regular season games and started at the tight end three times. He played four seasons at UCF and one under Guz Malzahn, who joined the Knights as head coach in 2021. In his career, Hescock participated in 48 games and scored six touchdowns. Before enrolling at UCF, Hescock spent 2016 as a true freshman with the Wisconsin scout team.
His cousin wrote on social media, “It is with a heavy heart that I have to say my cousin Jake has passed on. May he rest in peace and forever shine his bright soul down upon us.”
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Forever Remembered: A Tribute to the Legacy of Jake
The football community at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is mourning the loss of a beloved player, Jake. In addition to being an exceptional athlete, Jake was well-regarded by both teammates and coaches for his leadership qualities and optimistic outlook on life.
Coach Malzahn announced Hescock’s passing via Twitter.
We’re heartbroken to hear of Jake’s passing. He was an incredible person, who embodied what it means to be a UCF Knight. Everyone who knew Jake loved him and he was a blessing to coach.He will be greatly missed. Kristi and I’s prayers are with his whole family. pic.twitter.com/xaCUlpitbC
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) December 11, 2022
“We’re heartbroken to hear of Jake’s passing,” Malzahn said. “He was an incredible person who embodied what it means to be a UCF Knight. Everyone who knew Jake loved him; he was a blessing to coach. He will be greatly missed. Kristi and I’s prayers are with his whole family.”
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Josh Heupel, the current head coach at Tennessee, coached Hescock throughout the 2018-2020 seasons.
Heartbroken on the passing of Jake Hescock. He was an amazing teammate and person. Love, joy and a passion for others were embodied by him. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the Hescock and UCF Family. 🙏
— Josh Heupel (@coachjoshheupel) December 12, 2022
Former UCF quarterback Mikey Keene stated that Hescock profoundly impacted those around him and would be much missed.
Jake Hescock was one of the most authentic guys I’ve ever been around. He was an incredible person and an even better friend. He made everyone around him a better person. Rest in Peace brother. You will be missed by all. 🖤
— Mikey Keene (@Mikey_Keene) December 11, 2022
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Former teammates of Hescock also expressed their condolences, describing him as a “great leader.”
Jake, I love you bro. I’m so thankful that GOD let me be a part of your life. It was a blessing to get to know you. I’ll never forget you 88❤️ Please keep the whole Hescock family in your prayers pic.twitter.com/Y0AM30yAV5
— Alec Holler (@AlecHoller) December 11, 2022
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our brother Jake Hescock ‘16. He was a great leader, a great son, a great brother, a great teammate., and great Salisbury Gentleman. We were blessed for the time we had with him!
Thank you for being you Jake. We love you! pic.twitter.com/hemF1c0IDD
— Salisbury School Football (@Coach_Phelps11) December 11, 2022
UCF Football reported Jake Hescock’s death on Facebook on Sunday and said that the Knight Nation would miss him.
https://www.facebook.com/ucffootball/posts/10162344357738047