After much research , trying out rods and the desire to  * "future proofing my purchase"   - I decided on a Dobyns Sierra 7'3" H/F (734c.) For the available funds I believe this to be a good value that will not only serve me well for dragging football jigs on FC line but work for other applications (spinnerbaits , chatterbaits , Buzzbaits , T-Rig,  etc. and increase flexibility by either using FC or mono as conditions dictate) .In the future - if I want to step up to a Dobyns Champion series I know the Sierra series will still have valid uses in my rod arsenal .  *I mention "future proofing" my purchase as with Dobyns I can move up or down in series (i.e. Champion , Sierra , Fury) and I know what I am going to get in the way of quality feel , action , etc. no matter what the application or technique will be . Additionally, Gary / Richard @ Dobyns promptly  answered my football jig rod questions rather uniquely : Instead of suggesting "this or that rod" or football jigs - they gave me 2 options in each series for a total of six choices and let me decide what would best fit my needs and wallet while explaining each option in detail ... Not many rod companies can do or make such an offer for what I am willing to spend . Lastly , Powell , St. Croix , Shimano , Daiwa , etc. make excellent rods as well but in the end Gary's rod building "system philosophy" plus selection and quality won me over .

Chris you have made a excellent choice. I use the Champion XP DC734C FH because I prefer a full cork handle. As you said those folks at Dobyns will take the time to speak with you & are very helpful which is a big plus in my book.

I find that my G. Loomis MBR843C is an outstanding jig rod. When I throw a jig on braid with a flouro leader, I can literally feel the blades of grass or the cracks of the rocks the jig is going through or over. I got mine on sale a long time ago, if you are looking for something that won't break the bank, take a look at the Falcon Bucoo series or Dobyns Fury series. 

 

Best general jig fishing setup though is going to generally be a 7' MH or H fast action rod. I like my jig setup to have braid as the main line with a flourocarbon leader.