When Jacobs’ Caden DuMelle looks back at the sophomore who broke out on the varsity two seasons ago, there are some similarities to who he is now entering his senior year.
The hunger and the work ethic have never changed.
Physically, though, DuMelle sees a totally different person. He’s a lean 200 pounds, stronger than ever, running a 4.67 40-yard dash — and has progressed rapidly throughout his career.
“Sophomore year, I was a little nervous,” he said. “This year, coming in, I feel like I am that guy. I know I’m the best version of myself, so that allows me to play freely and show what I can do.”
DuMelle has already accomplished much in his two varsity seasons for the Golden Eagles, who come in at No. 5 for 2025 in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings.
He has rushed for 2,273 yards and 23 touchdowns in his career despite missing a game and a half last season. Jacobs coach Brian Zimmerman knows that there’s even more in the tank.
“Caden, watching his evolution and his mindset, it’s been fun,” Zimmerman said. “I think some (NCAA) Division II schools are missing the boat on him. He can play at the next level.
“To see him shed that baby fat and see where he’s at now, I’m really excited to see it.”
Offensively, Jacobs’ hallmark under Zimmerman has been the running game. That won’t change, but with senior quarterback Connor Goehring returning, the Golden Eagles will be more diverse.
Goehring understands how it all starts with DuMelle, however.
“It’s something off your plate,” Goehring said of DuMelle taking on a lead role. “If you give him the ball, something good is going to happen. I feel like he’s always been the same confident guy.
“I feel like he always knew that he would do good things. It’s everyone else realizing that he can do those things is the change. He’s always been confident. That’s never changed in him.”
Zimmerman stresses that the ground game will still be the catalyst for Jacobs. And with what the Golden Eagles have back, it’s hard to argue.
Besides DuMelle, Michael Cannady ran for over 600 yards last season. Justin Gonzalez, who started at cornerback, put on 15 pounds in the offseason and is now in the backfield mix.
Having an experienced Goehring under center, however, gives Jacobs some new wrinkles.
“This year, we’re doing a few different things offensively,” Zimmerman said. “We have a really talented quarterback and some really good receivers. We should be a little bit more balanced.
“Caden can catch the ball too. He has a skill set where he’s not going to just run you over. He reminds me a lot of (former Jacobs star) Ben Ludlum.”
The bottom line is DuMelle will have the opportunity to put up a huge season for Jacobs.
That will further his ambition of playing college football. It also could help the Golden Eagles reach the postseason for a fifth straight season, which would be a program record.
“College football, that is my dream,” DuMelle said. “That is the goal. To see skills-wise, my speed, my strength, everything has progressed so far. I’m very thankful for everything.
“I think this is going to be my best year for myself and the team. Hopefully, I get the opportunities I know I’m going to get, be able to ball out and see where it ends up. It just fuels my hunger and my desire to play this game. This season is just going to be great. I cannot wait for it.”
On top of that, his weight has gone down while his strength and speed have increased. That has been giving DuMelle a whole different vibe heading into his senior season.
“I’m just feeling overall the best I’ve ever felt,” he said. “I’ve been going to my trainer for two years and I was more into it this year. I’m seeing the game totally different. And I also feel different.”
Sophomore fullback Caden DuMelle, who ran for a program-record 302 yards Friday against Crystal Lake Central, poses before practice at Jacobs in Algonquin on on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. (Paul Johnson / The Beacon-News)
Quick hits
Team: Jacobs.
2024 record: 7-3.
Offensive leaders: Michael Cannady, senior, running back; Caden DuMelle, senior, running back; Carson Goehring, senior, receiver; Connor Goehring, senior, quarterback; Cooper Gulgren, senior, receiver.
Defensive leaders: Norval Boyd Jr., senior, nose guard; Brandon Chvatal, senior, linebacker; Jack Coates, sophomore, linebacker; Lucas Retzler, senior, lineman; Connor Uhler, senior, lineman.
X-factor: Justin Gonzalez, senior, running back/receiver/defensive back.
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.