Jake Sankal Joins Gators as Director of Football Nutrition / Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach
Sankal joins Florida after spending eight seasons with the Washington Commanders
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida Head Football Coach Billy Napier announced Tuesday the addition of Jake Sankal to the staff as the Gators’ new director of football nutrition and assistant strength & conditioning coach.
“We are excited about the addition of Jake Sankal to our organization and are thrilled to welcome him along with Amanda, and Emma and Ally to Gator Nation,” Napier said. “Jake’s reputation in the nutrition and strength and condition world precedes itself. He is one of the absolute best in his field. He also has developed great relationships and has been a difference maker for players throughout his career. His NFL experience will be beneficial to our aspiring players. I’m looking forward to watching Jake work hard and impact our players’ overall development.”
“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 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 concussion and other football injuries.
Sankal’s expertise have helped shaped the careers of several pro athletes.
“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.”
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.
Sankal is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters, Emma and Ally.
