Originally from Woodville-West Torrens in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL), Jacobs was selected by Carlton with pick 1 in the 2007 Rookie Draft.

[1] Jacobs played his first game for Adelaide in round 5, 2011, and held his place for the rest of the season, establishing himself as the club's premier ruckman.

[12] Playing against Melbourne in Round 8, in the absence of All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn to oppose him, Jacobs recorded a career-high 74 hit-outs.

Unfortunately, the Crows' midfield struggled, mostly due to Rory Sloane being successfully tagged by ex-Crow Bernie Vince, so his effort didn't get the team the win.

[13] Jacobs continued to expand his influence outside of ruck contests, managing to get 25 disposals along with his 37 hit-outs in the Crows' Round 12 match against St Kilda.

[14] A week before Adelaide's qualifying final against Greater Western Sydney, Jacobs' older brother Aaron died.