Interview: Arizona 2018 RB Jawhar Jordan Jr. 4.37 Speed Blazing Path on Recruiting Trail

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

As the football phrase goes – speed kills, and that is exactly what Jawhar Jordan Jr. has been doing against Arizona competition over the past two seasons, killing teams with his speed. The Hamilton High School star is now finally turning into a national star on the recruiting trail thanks to a “fastest man competition” at the Los Angeles Nike Opening Regional that blew everyone away.

The journey for Jordan really started to take off during the 2015 season when he helped the Huskies to a 10-2 record. Getting time in a rotation with upperclassmen, Jordan took 90 carries for 458 yards with four scores and pulled in nine passes for 114 yards with three more trips to the end zone. The budding playmaking abilities were there as a sophomore but few could argue with the results in 2016. In 12 games played, Jordan burned through 175 totes for 1,269 yards with 17 touchdowns. The all-purpose back notion was further cemented with 14 passes secured for 135 yards with another score.

The tape does not lie on Jordan. Get the 5-11, 168 pound, speedster in space and watch him make the best of the best look foolish – even if a defensive back has an angle. Adding special teams to his mix of talents, Jordan returned 11 kicks for 298 yards with one back breaking touchdown scored and took four punts back for 90 yards with another momentum shifting trip to the end zone.

College coaches were slow getting to Jordan, but have been recovering quickly identifying his talents. To date 10 schools have offered with Arizona, Iowa State, UNLV, Idaho, Hawaii, Fresno State, New Mexico State, Kansas State, Missouri, and Oklahoma State wanting him on their roster next year. The offer sheet could easily push over 20 for the Chandler area native with USC, Oregon, Colorado, Rutgers, and Washington, among others, all showing varying levels of interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru featured interview, I sat down with the Arizona talent that blazed a 4.37 40-yard dash at the LA Nike Opening Regional to cover his breakout junior season, off-season workouts, and crazy recruiting process since showing the world just how fast he truly is.

Interview

Your sophomore season was a fantastic one for the Huskies going 10-2 on the year. The coaching staff had a rotation setup in the backfield, how did that rotation work out for you?

“They used me on speed plays. We had a full-time running back.”

You had an explosive season in 2016. What was the difference for you in your play-making abilities from your sophomore to junior seasons?

“I had to step it up a lot. My sophomore year I did not go in a lot. I had to use my speed and strength, and block as well to become an every down player.”

What was the shootout against Perry like in the playoffs? You had 19 carries, 221 yards, and two scores in that game. That was your second time in a month seeing them and you guys fought tooth and nail to a 63-60 finish.

“It was a great game. The offense played very well – we did our part.”

You had a kick and punt return for a touchdown last season. What is your mentality when fielding kicks?

“Score. Score every time.”

Your recruiting has taken off since you won the fastest man competition at the Los Angeles Nike Opening Regional. What has the last few weeks been like for you on the recruiting trail after winning that four-man race?

“Coaches have been hitting me up, checking in on me, and congratulating me. I‘m hearing from a lot of coaches now.”

What was the time you posted in that race at the Opening?

“4.37.”

Was that the fastest 40-yard dash you have ever ran?

“No, I ran that at school too.”

Are you running track this season?

“No. I’m not competing in track. I’m focused on getting bigger this off-season.”

What are you working on this off-season?

“Building my strength, getting my weight up, and building chemistry with team for a great season.”

Will your role on offense change at all during your senior season?

“No, sir.”

What other exposure camps have you attended so far other than the Nike camp and do you plan on attending any others coming up?

“I’ve been to the Under Armour Combine (Orange County). I got a Top 10 performer there. I went to the U.S. Army Combine and on Sunday I’m attending the Rivals camp (LA).”

Do you plan on attending any college camps this summer?

“Yes, sir. I’m looking at USC.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“USC, Oregon, Arizona State, TCU, Washington, Colorado, and Rutgers. But mostly Pac-12 schools.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have 10 offers.”

Which schools have you unofficially visited already?

“USC and Arizona State.”

How did the USC visit go?

“I loved it. It was very good. I loved the coaches and the facility.”

What about your ASU visit, how did that go?

“It was also great. I got to know the coaches very well.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“I’m going to U-of-A (Arizona), Rutgers, and I’m trying to go to Oklahoma State soon. I’m going to try to visit any college that offers me.”

Which position are most of the schools recruiting you to play? Are they looking at you as a running back, third down back, slot receiver, and/or punt and kick returner?

“All of the schools have said running back. I will have to gain weight but they know that the weight will come in time.”

What are you looking for in your dream school?

“Most importantly for me is a school that makes me feel like I am at home with family. I want a school with a good environment.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.3.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, sir. I am taking my first test on April 19.”

Last question. What are your goals for your senior year?

“I want to be recognized as not only one of the best running backs in the state but in the nation.”

Jawhar, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: pistolsfiring.com; No. 25 Jawhar Jordan Jr. in action (2016).

Photo credit: Jordan family; Jawhar Jordan Jr at USC.

Photo credit:  Jordan family; Jawhar Jordan at Arizona State.