Jonathan Allen, Sam Howell rave about Jake Sankal

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•01/09/24•

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — On Tuesday, Bill Napier announced that Jake Sankal will be the new director of football nutrition and assistant strength & conditioning coach. Sankal will replace Kelcee Gomes as the lead nutritionist for the Florida Gators football team.

“I’m fired up to be a Gator,” Sankal said. “It’s an honor to be part of Coach Napier and Coach Fitz’s staff as we work to develop and positively impact these young men’s lives.”

Sankal arrives in Gainesville after spending his eighth season in the NFL with the Washington Commanders. He first joined the Commanders as an assistant strength and conditioning coach and team nutritionist during the 2016 offseason.

During his time in Washington, Sankal led all aspects of the team’s performance nutrition strategies and initiatives. He also served as a member of the NFL subcommittee to develop medical nutrition therapy protocols for concussions and other football injuries.

While in Washington, Sankal made an impression on the players he worked with while there.

“Jake has been one of the biggest reasons I have been able to have success in the NFL,” said Washington defensive tackle and two-time pro bowler Jonathan Allen. “He is one of the most genuine, kindest persons I have ever met, and Florida is lucky to be getting a guy like that.”

Commanders quarterback Sam Howell added: “Florida is getting the best in the business with Jake. Jake truly knows how to get the best out of the athletes he works with. He goes the extra mile to make sure his players have all of the information and resources needed to maximize their abilities.”

More on Jake Sankal

Prior to joining Washington, Sankal worked as a strength and conditioning coach in the Cleveland Guardians organization. His tenure with the organization from 2010-15 included stints with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (A), Kinston Indians (A), Carolina Mudcats (A) and three seasons with the Akron RubberDucks (AA).

Sankal is a Registered Dietitian and holds certifications with USA Weightlifting and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Sankal initially earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Wooster, where he played baseball and helped guide the program to the NCAA Division III Tournament in all four seasons of his collegiate career. In addition, he holds a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master’s degree in exercise science from Cleveland State University.

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