Jake Bentley Returns to Columbia—This Time as a Head Coach
As the Nation Ford High School football team bus rolled down I-77 toward Columbia last week, memories came rushing back for Jake Bentley.
The former South Carolina quarterback couldn’t help but think of his own days as a Gamecock—spring workouts, team bonding at Fort Jackson, and the countless hours spent in Columbia as the team’s signal-caller from 2016 to 2019.
“This is home,” Bentley reflected after Nation Ford’s matchup with Richland Northeast. “We are getting off the exit and I see Fort Jackson and all those workouts we did at Fort Jackson. I started shaking a little bit. There are so many memories in this city. It is a special place and I am glad I can represent them.”
Now 27, Bentley is believed to be the youngest head coach in South Carolina high school football.
From Quarterback to Coach
Bentley’s transition into coaching felt like a natural step after his playing career. Following his South Carolina days, he had stops at Utah and South Alabama before moving into coaching. His early résumé included stints at Florida Atlantic, North Alabama, and Rock Hill High before being named Nation Ford’s head coach in January—the third in school history since its opening in 2007.
Situated just outside “Football City USA” in Rock Hill, Nation Ford is surrounded by powerhouse programs such as Northwestern and South Pointe, schools that have produced NFL talents like Jadeveon Clowney, Stephon Gilmore, and Mason Rudolph. Bentley knows the bar is high.
“We are hungry. I think our school and community is,” Bentley said.
So far, the Falcons have shown it. Nation Ford sits at 3-1 after a commanding 56-27 victory over RNE, already surpassing last year’s two-win season. Their last winning record came in 2019, but Bentley is determined to change that as region play begins this week against Northwestern.
“From game one till now, the amount of growth that we’ve shown,” Bentley said. “We don’t let adversity affect us the way we did. We stick together.”
Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Bentley’s path mirrors that of his father, Bobby Bentley, a coaching legend who turned Byrnes High School into a state powerhouse in the early 2000s before embarking on a long college career.
Jake admits that much of his own coaching style stems from his dad. Like Bobby, he’s rarely seen without his trademark visor. “A hat wouldn’t fit on my big head,” he joked, even admitting he’s thrown the visor a time or two—channeling his inner Steve Spurrier.
“So many people and high school coaches invested in me so I am grateful for the opportunity to lead these young men and staff and make an impact on them,” Bentley said. “That is what coaching is all about. Making a difference.”
Game Day Energy
On game nights, Bentley blends calm preparation with fiery leadership. About 90 minutes before kickoff, he walked onto the field with a notebook in hand, visor in place, and a measured demeanor. He warmed up different position groups before settling in with the quarterbacks—his specialty.
His connection with starting QB Kason Canupp is evident. Canupp, who followed Bentley from Rock Hill to Nation Ford, has already surpassed 1,000 passing yards in three games and shined again against RNE.
Moments before kickoff, Bentley’s voice carried through the team’s entrance.
“Let’s go, let’s go boys,” he clapped, before rallying them with his signature slogan: “Pull The Rope.”
“It’s about us as a team pulling the rope together to accomplish the same goal, and being able to be unified through that,” Bentley explained.
Calm and Composed, With Fire When It Counts
As play-caller, Bentley keeps a steady hand on the sideline, rarely losing his composure. But when wideout Patience Andrews hauled in a 60-yard touchdown or the Falcons nailed a two-point conversion, Bentley let his emotions show—sprinting down the sideline and fist-pumping in celebration.
Even late in the blowout win, Bentley stayed locked in. When defensive lineman Lorenzo Smith was flagged for a late hit, Bentley immediately pulled him aside.
“I told him about the current situation we are in. It won’t affect us. But if we are in a close game, that flag is going to be detrimental to our success,” Bentley said. “Whether there is three minutes left in the game or walking down the hallway in the day, there always is an opportunity to coach.”
Building Something New at Nation Ford
After the win, Bentley gathered his team to point out both the positives and the areas that need work. More than anything, he wanted them to savor their progress.
“Enjoy it, men. That is how you take care of business and stay together,” Bentley told his players. “Game one, we didn’t do that. That shows growth and maturity. Super proud of you.”
For Bentley, the return to Columbia wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about proving he belongs on the sidelines, molding the next generation of players, and writing a new chapter of success for Nation Ford.
