By Hunter Dortenzo, Maryland Athletics Communications Intern

Senior wide receiver Taivon Jacobs has been a member of the Maryland football program longer than any player or coach on the team. Better yet, he is the only remaining Maryland student-athlete that knows what it was like to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Having joined the team in 2013 and battled back from multiple injuries, his experience and time with the program has truly helped him pave his way to becoming one of the team's best leaders in his sixth and final year of eligibility.

Jacobs' rise to the top was far from an easy one. After redshirting the 2013 season, he tore the ACL in his right knee during the 2014 home opener against James Madison, ending his season.

After surgery and a year-long rehabilitation process, Jacobs returned in 2015 and played in all 12 games, hauling in 21 catches for 264 yards and two touchdowns.

Preparing for his junior campaign in 2016, Jacobs was again set back by his worst nightmare – another ACL tear, this time in his left knee. The injuries were becoming all too common for Jacobs. Two ACL tears at Maryland and another during high school should have all but derailed his playing hopes for good.

Jacobs was far from dismayed, however, and was determined to finish his college career on his own terms. Though he was now the oldest receiver on the team, he was as eager as anyone to prove himself.

Jacobs made his triumphant return in 2017 and had the best season of his life. He started all 12 games, ranking second on the team in catches (47), receiving yards (553) and receiving touchdowns (5).

"I just went out there and tried to show everyone that I'm durable and able to perform," said Jacobs. "I always went out on the field and tried to be the best player I could be and bring everything I can to the table to help the team win."

His presence as a speedy, go-to wideout – along with his years of experience with the team – has vaulted him into a leadership position among the receivers. Though Jacobs has actively played a part in developing younger players throughout the years, he now sees himself as a player that younger teammates look up to and solicit advice from.

Jacobs picked up that leadership trait by watching his older brother, Levern, who finished his career in 2016 ranked seventh on the all-time receptions list at Maryland. Jacobs modeled everything after Levern.

Unsurprisingly, their sibling rivalry spurred brotherly competition, even beyond football.

"I always competed with my brother," said Jacobs. "Even the littlest, simplest things. Racing, video games, anything that you could think of, I always wanted to beat him and be better than him."

Jacobs' upcoming year with the program is vital as he attempts to put himself in the best position possible to make it to the next level.

"Going forward, I'm thinking of what I can do to put myself in the best situation to get to the next level and stay there," Jacobs said. "What can I do to improve my game to get to that point?"

Individual goals aside, Jacobs remains focused on his obligation to be the best teammate he can be. He takes pride in being a leader and isn't afraid to take initiative in the development of younger teammates.

During spring practice, Jacobs could often be found getting in extra work with the freshmen and sophomore receivers after team practices.

"These young guys, they're amazing," said Jacobs. "Watching some of the things that they do, I just see so much potential. So I'm just trying to help them maximize their potential and get everything out of them while I'm here. I'm always stressing to do the extra amount, giving one percent more each day that you can do to improve your game."

For Jacobs' last season as a Maryland Terrapin, he aims to be the best leader he can possibly be, bettering his teammates as he betters himself. His drive is clear and unwavering. He credits his daughter, Bailey, and his position coach, Chris Beatty, for his motivation.

"My daughter motivates me so much," said Jacobs. "Every time I step out on that field I think about her and how I can help her and be better for her. Every time I'm coming back from an injury, anything that I'm doing, I'm thinking about her. Everything I do revolves around her.

"And Coach Beatty… he's a remarkable guy. Just listening to the things that he says, the trials and tribulations that he's been through to get to this point, I look up to him so much. He's truly like a father figure. So, just to learn from him, everything that he does and has done, it's just a blessing to have a guy like that in a position where you can understand and learn from him."

Jacobs' playing career at Maryland has been marked by flashes of greatness but untimely injuries. He looks ahead to this final season as one where he can enjoy the game with his teammates and unleash the part of his game that he knows he's capable of as the team's No. 1 receiver.