Interview: 3-Star RB/OLB Jordan Hornbeak Impressed Pushing 1,700 Rushing Yard Mark
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Following the high school career of Jordan Hornbeak’s, one could see great things coming, but maybe not as great as what he showed during the 2019 season. The 6-0, 195-pound, athlete was a two-way star for Chowchilla High School during the 2018 season and exploded into another realm with San Joaquin Memorial against Division-I California competition during his junior run. Now college programs are seeing the gifts he brings to the field with offers and interest piling up.
A 913-yard 10-touchdown season off 117 carries and eight receptions for 73 more yards and two scores is impressive, especially coupled with 85 tackles, 53 solo, six tackles for a loss, a sack, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. That was Hornbeak’s breakthrough sophomore season. What did he have instore next; he took the rock 221 times for 1,697 yards crossing the goal line 18 times and showed off his growing all-purpose back features with nine receptions for 158 yards and posted another score on the board. His two-way talents were utilized again at outside linebacker putting an end to 46 plays with 39 solo stops.
After the season produced, Hornbeak has offers extended from Fresno State, San Jose State, and Utah. The process is about to get serious with several offseason visits planned for one of California’s fastest rising Class of 2021 talents.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I caught up with Hornbeak getting insight on his overall game with an update on his recruiting prospects.
Interview
Jordan, you have proven to be a fantastic play-maker on both sides of the ball and in each of the past two seasons. You bring a passion to the game, what drives you to be so successful and productive on the field?
“My family, that is the biggest thing. When I first started playing, my idol was Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks). That beast mode mentality he had was part of me at a young age and that grew over the years. That is how I play. I never quit and I put 200 percent into every snap. If I can make a play that is what I will do.”
You tore it up as a sophomore and went stratosphere in your junior season. Beyond the stats, what was working for you in 2019 to get at the 1,700-yard mark?
“My offensive line and the man upstairs. On the field, in pre-snap I am looking at the defense. Knowing the hole and which direction I am going helps. I am looking to the area when the guard pulls, if he gets this guy, I know I need to make this guy miss. If I do, this can be a six- or seven-yard gain. I have grown mentally with my game with the pre-snap read as a running back. I imagine myself going through the hole and getting the touchdown. The pre-snap read, knowing what they can give me, and getting a flow of the backers, if they will over pursue – sit or stay home, all helps. Knowing my playbook and the opposing team makes a difference.”
The field vision and quick cuts get you further downfield but your speed is there getting you to the next level in a heartbeat. How fast are you?
“Track has helped with my speed. I ran track my freshman and sophomore seasons. I will be back on the track again this year. I have not run a 40 in a while. Track has been a tremendous help. I saw a big jump from each year.”
What base offense were you guys running and what were some of the designed run plays called to get the rock in your hands?
“We ran a Spread offense with doubles and trips. We ran regular powers, some draws, and basic run plays. Our blocking scheme was different. We have a number system for run and pass blocks. We were different attacking different fronts.”
How did your overall offensive game improve during your junior season?
“Tremendously. As mentioned, my pre-snap reads improved. When I got there in the summer, my running back coach drilled us hard on footwork. That helps a lot. I was not into footwork like that before then. My cuts are quicker and I am making guys miss off a jump-cut. My footwork increased a lot.”
The coaches put a lot more on you beyond toting the pigskin seeing you play defense again in 2019. Where all did you lineup and what were your responsibilities within the defense?
“I was an outside linebacker in our scheme. My roles were in pass coverage, manning guys up, outside containment, and forcing everything back inside. I was a guy who led by example on defense.”
Turning to recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
“Three.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I get mail from a lot of schools. UCLA, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon State are in contact with me – that is all I can think of right now.”
Have you visited any programs over the last few months?
“Yes. I took one to Fresno State when they played Colorado State. Utah wanted me up there for a game, but it did not work out. I will be visiting them this spring.”
How did the Fresno State visit go?
“It went well. I was able to meet Coach (Jeff) Tedford for a second time; he came to a game of ours. I met their running backs coach at the time. I talked to their recruiting guy with my mom for a while. Fresno State was a good time and good vibes. I really liked it.”
You mentioned visiting Utah coming up, are there any other planned trips you may take?
“Washington, Colorado, and I’d like to visit Oregon and Washington State.”
Camp season is underway already. Do you know which camps you may attend this winter and/or spring?
“I was contacted by The Opening, I am hoping to get an invite to that camp, and I have been invited to Under Armour All-American Camp.”
Last question. With your offseason workouts, what will you focus on before going into next season?
“My focus is getting as big as possible in the next six to seven months. I know college programs want me to get bigger. I want to be 207 or 208 by the start of next season. That is only about 10 pounds more. I think I can do it in six months.”
Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: San Joaquin Memorial HS/Hornbeak family; Jordan Hornbeak