Interview: 3-Star 2021 LB Jordan Hanna Just Got It Going with 118 Tackles Last Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As nice as it may seem for Class of 2021 linebacker Jordan Hanna to give the rest of Arkansas 6A football a head start going into the 2019 season, he was still that desired bully on the field for the Bulldogs once the ball was teed up on Fridays. Playing the outside linebacker role in Greenwood High School’s scheme, Hanna earned All-State, All-District, All-Conference, and was placed on the River Valley Best of the Best team at the end of his junior run, and the three-star recruiting did it all without very little preparation for the season.
Any linebacker hitting the 100-tackle plateau is getting after it, boost that a little more for an outside linebacker sealing the edge, rushing the passer, and crashing down as teams started running the other way. After offseason elbow surgery from a wrestling injury, Hanna took to the 2019 season undersized and without benefit of a true fall camp coming up with 118 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, 20 quarterback hurries and forced a ball loose while picking one up. His offseason regiment has him back up to 205 pounds on his 6-foot 1-inch frame with muscle being added. His play on the field has also secured an offer from Southern Miss.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I got time in with one of Arkansas’ fastest rising prospects focusing on his breakthrough junior season with an update on his recruiting prospects.
Interview
Jordan, you were a presence on the field coming off the edge for Greenwood last season. The team had a great run going 10-2, how do you feel it went for you personally?
“Personally, I think it went alright. Even if I had 20 or 25 tackles in a game, I am not satisfied when we lose. It is a team game; it is all about us winning.”
Guessing offensive tackles got tired of you in a hurry with the pressure you bring off the edge, especially because you use so many moves to get into the backfield. Besides using a swim or dip, what were some of the other moves you were using to create chaos in the opposition’s backfield?
“I’d get thin or line up wide and cut inside using my speed to my advantage. The tackles would always over correct making it easy for me.”
Coming off the edge on both sides of the line had to create challenges going up against so many different tackles. What was one adversity you faced on the field last season going up against an offensive lineman, quarterback, and/or offensive scheme?
“The biggest challenge that I got was double-teams. Getting a pulling guard would make it harder, but I was still able to do my thing. I had elbow surgery (wrestling torn UCL) last offseason. I was still adjusting my body to where I wanted it. The challenge last season was getting my body healthy and taking on double-teams.”
How did that challenge make you a better player?
“It made me want to work harder. The elbow injury fueled me. I got cleared the week before our first game. My first game, that was the first time putting on pads that week.”
Impressive with no preseason to get ready. When the season ended what did you feel were the strengths to your game?
“I’m a good outside rusher, a good pass rusher, I felt that I could set the edge, and I get into the backfield fast.”
Are you taking on any new positions in 2020?
“Yes. I am playing outside and inside linebacker, and there may be something in the works as a tight end.”
Which parts of your game are you focusing on this offseason?
“Speed. I’m working on being faster, having quicker steps, and covering routes. I’m not working on my pass rush as much, but I am still trying to perfect it. There are a whole lot of things as a linebacker to work on this offseason.”
Are you competing at any camps this offseason?
“I attended the National Combine Camp in San Antonio. Coming up, I am going to a Southern Miss camp and an Arkansas camp.”
How did the combine in San Antonio go?
“It went well. They had us do a lot of one-on-ones; it was really fun.”
Your play on the field has landed you an offer from Southern Miss, which schools are showing interest beyond the offer?
“Middle Tennessee State, Tulsa, Toledo, UNLV, Wake Forest, Colorado, Missouri, Arkansas, and Ouachita Baptist.”
Have you started taking visits?
“Yes. I went on a Junior Day visit at Arkansas.”
How did that visit go?
“It went well. We toured the facilities, met the coaches, met with their academic advisor, and saw all that they had to offer.”
Going into the classroom. What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.0.”
It is early for you, but have you taken the ACT and/or SAT yet?
“I scored a 21 on the ACT.”
Qualified. I love it. Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Greenwood HS/Hanna family; Jordan Hanna on the field and at Arkansas