Interview: 2018 Las Vegas CB Jordan Howden Gives Insight on Inspiring Signing with Minnesota

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Every year the recruiting process brings forth a few truly inspirational stories, stories that remind all of us to continue to work hard in the pursuit of our dreams – Jordan Howden is now one who inspires.

After moving from Vista Murrieta High School in 2016 to Desert Pines in Las Vegas for his senior year, college football programs seemingly lost track of Howden. The Class of 2018 talent put in the work on the field helping the Jaguars to a 10-2 season with an end of year No. 7 in-state ranking by MaxPreps. The 6-0, 185-pound, corner did it all picking off three passes while coming up with 45 stops earning All-Conference honors. Despite all the top play on the gridiron, the offers were still not rolling in for Howden.

Not hanging his head, Howden went on to track showing his competitive spirit earning three gold medals in the long jump, 4×1 and 4×2 relays continuing to work on his overall speed and athleticism. After track, and after spring ball at the collegiate level, Minnesota was in need of a corner. Minnesota defensive backs coach Jahmile Addae continued to scour his recruiting area when a chance conversation with Jaguars head coach Tico Rodriguez put the spotlight on Howden. After watching film on Howden, and with the Gophers staff in agreement, some four months after National Signing Day Howden found a Division-I home at a Power Five Conference with Minnesota; one improbable journey ends with another exciting adventure just beginning.

For insight on how Howden became a late addition to Minnesota’s 2018 class, I sat down for a Recruiting News Guru exclusive one-on-one interview with the previously overlooked Las Vegas standout.

Interview

Jordan, how did the match between you and Minnesota come about?

“My coach talked to their DB coach, Coach (Jahmile) Addae about me. He saw my game film and saw me workout, he watched my hip movements and saw how fast I was. Coach Addae had film on me, he showed the entire staff and they offered me. They want me to play this year.”

How did Minnesota become your ideal fit?

“I feel like Minnesota will be a great fit for me. I want to come in and help the team out. Minnesota is a great school; they are one of the top academic schools in the country. It is just a great fit all around.”

When do you get to visit the campus and see the facilities?

“I leave tomorrow.”

Wow, that’s quick.

“Yes, sir.”

What has you excited about visiting the campus?

“I’m excited to see the facilities, the school, and the new locker room. I cannot wait to put that jersey on.”

What was I like for you when the staff offer you?

“I paused for a minute… I really got it. I was not expecting it. I was unsure, but I have never been so happy in my life. God blessed me.”

When and how did you commit to Minnesota?

“They called on Friday to offer me. Then, I called my parents, and I announced about three hours later.”

What was your parents’ reaction to the offer and how fast everything is moving?

“My mom, she said, “oh my God, my baby is going to college.” My dad was proud of me, he knows I have been through a lot. My mom almost started crying. I have to enroll by Thursday. This has gone fast.”

What was the coaching staffs’ reaction when you told them you wanted to be a Gopher?

“Coach Addae was very excited. He cannot wait for me to come up and start practicing with the team. He told me, “You gotta start working right away”.”

You are a diverse athlete capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary, did they recruit you as a corner?

“Corner.”

You are going up there on Monday, and you have to enroll by Thursday, when do you report?

“On Monday.”

Are you staying up there when you leave on Monday?

“Yes, sir. It is happening fast.”

What have you been working on this offseason with your game?

“This offseason, I was running track. After track, I started working on my back pedal, my explosiveness, and working on my strength. I’ve been mainly working on my strength and speed.”

Now that the process is over, and the dream of playing college football is a reality, what are your thoughts on realizing you will be playing college ball in the Big Ten?

“I don’t even know what to say. The Big Ten, that’s crazy. It is crazy that I will be playing in one of the best conferences in the country.”

Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your workouts this summer with the team.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Nevada Preps; No. 5 Jordan Howden picks off a pass