2020 California ATH Mehki Jordan Talks Transfer to Long Beach Poly and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Regardless to how others see Class of 2020 recruit Mehki Jordan at the collegiate level, the word “athlete” is always mentioned. During his junior campaign, Jordan suited up for Cathedral High School passing for 918 yards with seven touchdowns and ran for another 416 yards with two more scores going up on the board. With the move to Long Beach Poly in the offseason, the short-term focus is still as a quarterback, but the 5-11, 153-pound, athlete is willing to play wherever needed now and in the future. That kind of team-first approach has already brought two scholarship offers to the table coming from BYU and San Jose State.
With a busy offseason working on his game, camps completed and with college camps on the summer schedule, I sat down with Jordan for a feature interview.
Interview
Mehki, how did your game come along during the 2018 season with Cathedral?
“It came along in a big way. My leadership was one area that really improve. Last season was my first year being a starter. I had to be there for my teammates, I could not get down on myself after a bad play. I had to be there for my team and keep them upbeat going forward. I definitely got better with my passing game and movement in the pocket.”
What type of offense did you guys run?
“We ran a spread offense. But we mixed it up. In the Serra game, we did a lot of running in the Wing-T. We did a lot of no-huddle and hand signals from the sidelines to stay up-tempo last season.”
How did the offense suit your talents?
“It suited me well, I am a dual theat. We had a lot of plays designed for me to run and plays designed to get me out of the pocket to make plays.”
Which parts of your game improved with mechanics, timing, and delivering of passes?
“The timing with my receivers improved a lot. I worked on that after school to see with each receiver what they can do. Are they a possession receiver or are they the guy who can go get it? I worked on my drops a lot. I worked on not being lazy with my drops to keep my timing consistent.”
You transferred this offseason to Poly, how has the transfer gone thus far?
“It has been good. The coaches are cool. I am from the area, so it is nice to be back home.”
What type of offense will you be executing during your senior year?
“They also run a spread at Poly, but they also go under center. They run the offense like Cathedral’s with signals coming in from the quarterbacks on the sideline.”
What are you working on this offseason overall?
“I am working on getting bigger, gaining weight, and my mechanics. I am working on my drops, pocket presence and my awareness.”
Have you gone to any camps this offseason?
“Yes. I went to the Nike Opening Regional.”
How did the Nike camp go?
“It was a cool experience. I learned from a lot of good coaches there. It was good to be with all the top guys out there.”
Are there any upcoming camps on the schedule?
“Yes. I am going to camps with UNLV and Oregon.”
Which schools have offered you thus far?
“I have offers from BYU and San Jose State.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Oregon State, I have talked to them a little bit, Washington State, UNLV, Utah State, and Wyoming.”
Do you plan on visiting any schools coming up?
“I want to visit BYU; they show a lot of interest. I also want to visit San Jose State as well.”
Which positions are the schools recruiting you to play, quarterback or as an athlete?
“I am being recruited as an athlete. The coaches came to one of my practices when I was playing receiver. They saw me at receiver and offered me as an athlete. I am open to play whatever position in college. I like playing QB, but I have no problem showing them I can play another position.”
College coaches will like to know that you are open to other positions. What do you see ahead for Poly in 2019?
“Poly is coming this year. We are getting back on top.”
Mehki, it was great getting time in with you today. I wish you success at your upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Jordan family; Mehki Jordan with Cathedral (2018) and at the 2019 Elite 11 Regional