Mustangs senior LB to be quarterback of defense
Nick Jordan was an important cog in a strong defensive unit that helped lead the Grapevine Mustangs football team to a District 6-5A championship in 2015.
This season, the senior inside linebacker will be more like an anchor that coach Randy Jackson will rely heavily upon to provide defensive leadership, stating that Jordan provides “a confidence that we are a good defense and no moment is too big.
“He has proven to be a bigger piece in our under coverage,” Jackson said. “Nick has great ball skills, and we plan on utilizing them. Of all the linebackers I have coached, Nick has as many or more intangibles. He is savvy, and our quarterback on defense. I love what he brings to the table. He is a blue-collar type of player that brings toughness to our team.”
Jordan, who was a first-team all district selection in 2015, said that he is pleased with how his team performed in 2015, and said he is going to do his part this year to help lead the team to another postseason berth.
“As a team this year, we performed well,” Jordan said. “We did a lot better this year then we have in the past. After our first win against North Crowley, we knew we had what it took to win football games. I performed well this year, but there are always mistakes and little things you look back on and learn from; for me, that would be reading linemen and fitting my gaps better.
“What I try to bring to the team is being the captain of the defense and being the player that can get the job done under pressure.”
Jordan, who was also a member of the state champion baseball team and the bass fishing team at Grapevine, said that he has some definite plans for the offseason.
“This summer, I plan to work on my speed and strength, because at 6-2 (and) 200 lbs. playing inside linebacker, I like to think I'm undersized and I plan to be 205-210 lbs. when the season rolls around,” Jordan said.
“I have to be faster and quicker than the O-line, because once they get their hands on you there is no getting away.”
Jordan said for Grapevine to repeat upon the type of success it enjoyed in 2015, it will take a couple of things.
“We will need to have strong senior leaders, which we have,” Jordan said. “The past few years, the seniors have been good at leading the team and making everyone accountable. The other factor we will need to have a strong season is how the first game of the season goes because a win will give the team confidence on how good we are.”
Grapevine opens the regular season at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 26 at Azle.
This story was originally published July 20, 2016 at 9:53 AM with the headline "Mustangs senior LB to be quarterback of defense."