Isaih Pacheco runs hard with a purpose
Rutgers football fans might know Isaih Pacheco as one the most-hyped and hard-running freshman on the team.
But did you know he was also good at baseball? So good in fact that he could have been drafted he said. According to the NJ.com database, as a junior in 2017, Pacheco hit .475 (29 hits in 61 at-bats) with 17 RBI, 18 runs scored, one home run, five doubles, two triples, 12 walks, and 13 stolen bases for Vineland High down in South Jersey.
But, Pacheco opted to enroll early at and come to Rutgers in January, participate in spring practice with the team, and get a jump start on the plays, college life, and the speed and physicality of the game.
“It was a hard decision,” Pacheco said on giving up baseball. “My dad and I sat down and realized this is my sport, this is what I do. I really enjoy football. I just tried to take advantage of getting here early and having the opportunity to get on the field as a freshman. Being back at running back, it feels great. ...I wanted a head start.”
Pacheco has always carried the ball, even when he spent his high school years at quarterback. As a senior, he ran 154 times for 1,414 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also threw for 598 yards and three more scores on 43-of-81 attempts. He was a two-time Cumberland County Champion and 2017 WJFL Continental Division Champion, a two-time WJFL All-Continental Division First Team selection at quarterback, named South Jersey Times All-Area on offense as a senior, a First Team All-South Jersey selection by the Courier Post, and named Third Team All-State on defense by NJ.com.
Getting back into the groove of playing running back took a little time, but burst onto the scene with a team-high 76 yards on the ground in the season opening win over Texas State.
“No, the (speed) adjustment wasn’t as hard as I expected. It was a muscle memory and I just went out there and ran hard like I always do,” Pacheco said. “I’ve been at a lot of Big Ten football teams (as a recruit) and I knew it was going to be harder for me because of pass blocking and things like that, when I got an opportunity, I just took a deep breath and made the best of it.”
Speaking of pass blocking, Pacheco hasn’t had to do that in a very long time -- maybe ever -- and he’s improving.
“I’ve been adjusting pretty good,” the 5-foot-11, 210-pounder said. “Coach is always on me working hard. I might be one of the only guys in the group that messes up a couple times, but he’s always like get back in there. He’s helped me get prepared for that.”
Against Texas State, Pacheco ran hard for a 28-yard gain as he bullied through would-be tacklers. When he carries the ball, he runs with a purpose.
“Get things off my chest, I meant it about all the adversities I went through and hard times at home,” Pacheco said. “I’m just trying to get to the league one day hopefully. Every opportunity I get I just try to run full speed and run hard.
“This is what I was born for. I play hard because I love the game. When I run hard it shows people this is what I love to do. When my line gives me a little crease I’m going to take it up the field.”
