Career Summary

Jacob Hester was an LSU running back and fullback who played five NFL seasons.

Hester played multiple backfield roles at LSU before the Chargers selected him in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with San Diego and one with Denver.

After his playing career, he joined LSU football media coverage as an analyst.

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Early Life

Hester is from Shreveport, Louisiana.

The NFL and LSU list Shreveport, Louisiana as Hester's hometown.

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High School

Hester attended Evangel Academy in Shreveport.

Hester attended Evangel Academy, a football program in Shreveport. LSU described the school as a football powerhouse.

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College Career

Hester rushed for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns during a versatile LSU career.

Hester played 52 games for LSU and rushed for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. He added 60 receptions for 454 yards and seven receiving touchdowns.

As a senior in 2007, he rushed for 1,103 yards and 12 touchdowns, totals LSU ranks among its leading single-season rushing marks.

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Path to the NFL

Hester entered the NFL from LSU and joined the Chargers in 2008.

Hester began his NFL career with the Chargers in 2008 after his LSU career.

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NFL Career

Hester played 65 NFL games, rushing for 400 yards and catching 56 passes.

Hester appeared in 65 regular-season games, including 23 starts, with the Chargers and Broncos. He carried 111 times for 400 yards and three touchdowns.

He added 56 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27

Career Accomplishments

Hester was a permanent LSU captain and a productive senior on the 2007 national championship team.

LSU named Hester a permanent captain in 2007. He earned second-team All-SEC honors and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week and Sporting News National Player of the Week after the Florida game.

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Playing Style

Hester filled multiple roles as a runner, receiver and special-teams contributor.

LSU described Hester as a player who wore a variety of hats, with production as a rusher, receiver and special-teams player. He made 38 special-teams tackles during his LSU career.

NFL statistics show him contributing as both a runner and receiver.

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Legacy

Hester is remembered at LSU as a team captain and versatile 2007 championship contributor.

Hester's No. 18 became part of LSU's leadership jersey tradition after he helped the Tigers win the 2007 national title. LSU also lists his 60 receptions among the leading totals by a running back in program history.

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Post-Career

Hester became an LSU football media analyst after his playing career.

LSU announced Hester as an analyst and insider on its football pregame coverage in 2014.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27