Interview: Unique 2019 Arizona WR/DE Tariq Jordan Updates Offseason and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every team sport needs team players on the roster to win games. A solo act playing for one’s self does not bring harmony from within helping overcome adversity when it strikes. For Marana High School, they found a do-everything kind of talent in Tariq Jordan, and a young man willing to do what it took for the Tigers to win.
During Jordan’s sophomore season, the rising Arizona prospect shinned snagging 43 passes for 596 yards with four trips into the end zone. During his junior campaign, more was asked of him but in a different way. The Tigers needed help on defense to ensure their 9-3 record seeing their 6-4, 211-pound, athlete take the field not only at receiver but also at defensive end. Jordan’s receiving stats dipped, but his drive to win games did not. When the 2017 season concluded, Jordan racked up 23 tackles, four tackles for a loss, and three sacks while also pulling down 14 passes for 201 yards with five scores posted on the board.
In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with one of the overlooked talents in Arizona’s 2019 class to learn more about his game and offseason goals.
Interview
Tariq, what were some of the differences in your game from your sophomore to junior season?
“The main differences were how hard I was working and how well I was understanding the plays and concepts. I took more of a role-playing approach at defensive end. That was my first year playing end. I had to adapt and be more of a team player.”
How did your game get better at receiver last season?
“My routes – how to precisely run them to keep defenders guessing. My physicality off the line improved. I worked on getting open, even if I did not get the ball and knew it was not coming my way. I took it as a match up against defensive back to win every time.”
As mentioned, you played some defensive end as well, how did that go for you?
“At first, I was skeptical. During my sophomore year, I was straight offense. But, I got more size in the offseason. It was new for me. I had to get into it as the season went on, then it was more fun for me.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on my explosiveness with routes and at the top of my routes keeping my speed. I am working on beating my defender and keeping space. I’m also working on my footwork and my top end speed.”
What type of lifts and/or workouts are you doing to push your physical stature forward?
“Every day we lift. We do speed training. On Mondays we squat and bench, then dumbbell rows. We do RDO – take the bar and explode – jump up to keep that power in our legs. We power clean, dead lift, and all the normal lifting to get stronger.”
Have you attended any camps or combines this spring?
“Yes. I went to the Nike Opening in LA.”
What did you do well at that camp?
“It was fun. I’m glad I went. I was not focused on making it to the finals. I was happy to go and learn. I was happy to make my game better. The one-on-ones went well. I did well on that. My testing, it was okay. My 40 was not great, but my agility drills went well. I got a 4.5 on the 3-cone and a 35-inch jump on my vertical. Those were things I was happy about with the camp. You can always improve, but I feel I did well.”
Which group did you work with at the camp?
“I worked with tight ends at first and then moved over the receivers later.”
Do you have any other camps set upcoming?
“That depends on my coach and that depends on 7v7. The camps I am looking at, on June 17 I am planning on the NAU camp.”
Might you attend any college camps this summer?
“I might go to a UCLA, USC, and UNLV camp.”
Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered you yet?
“Northern Arizona is showing interest and I have talked to Cal a little bit.”
Which schools have offered you so far?
“I have an offer from Carrol College in Montana (D-III).”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“I have taken an unofficial visit to San Diego State.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I am going to a Junior Day at Arizona and one at NAU. I am going to Indiana this week on Friday. I am ready to watch some spring practices and scrimmages. I am looking forward to going on all my visits.”
Do you play any other sports for Marana?
“Basketball.”
How did the season go?
“It was a good season. We went to the playoffs for the first time since early 2000’s.”
Last couple of questions. On the field, what type of player are you, are you a talker or do you let the play do the talking?
“I could be a talker if necessary, but I don’t just talk. I feed off the players that talk to me. My game has changed from last season, my hands are better and my footwork is better. I normally keep my mouth shut, but if someone starts talking to me this year…”
What kind of person are you off the field?
“Off the field, I am a goof ball. I like to make people laugh. I like meeting new people. I love to be around people. I like to have fun but I stay out of trouble.”
What do you like to do for fun away from sports?
“I like to play Fortnight. I like to go throw the football with my little brother. I like to relax at home and go see a movie.”
Tariq, thanks for your time today and good luck with all your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Rico Martin Photography; Tariq Jordan in action