Seven years ago, Maryland football commit Johnny Jordan went to the movie theater with his father to see The Blindside. Part way through the movie, offensive tackle Michael Oher takes on the opposing defensive end and pushes him off the field and over a fence, resulting in an excessive blocking penalty.
After the scene, Jordan’s father, John, turned to his son and told him to play like that. From that point on, his father told the three-star prospect before every game to “go get that excessive blocking call.”
“It’s legally the only place where you’re allowed to physically assault somebody,” Jordan said. “I just take all my anger and frustration and channel it towards the opponent.”
As one of three offensive linemen in Maryland’s 2017 class, Jordan hopes that aggressive play will translate into success with the Terps next fall.
“I’m really excited for special things in College Park,” Jordan said. “It’s a new day, it’s happening.”
Since picking up the sport in fifth grade, Jordan’s main motivation has come from his parents, especially his father, who preached being aggressive. When Jordan puts his hand in the ground, his main goal is to “take their head off.”
Jordan uses that passion to motivate himself in the weight room in order to make up for his 6-foot-2 frame. He said he lifts about four times a week, and the night before he works out, the Gonzaga College High School strength coach will text him a comprehensive workout plan. Jordan said he can squat 600 pounds and bench press 375.
“He has a passion for finishing physically and dominating,” Gonzaga coach Randy Trivers said.
But Jordan doesn’t pride himself solely on his strength and aggression, even if those are his strongest attributes when playing the offensive line. As the center, he must help the quarterback notice defensive formations and tendencies, so he studies film every day — even in the offseason — in Trivers’ office during lunch.
“He is highly intelligent, and he’s ready to learn and lead,” Trivers said. “He doesn’t miss a day with me.”
The Leesburg, Virginia, native has looked at tape of the Terps high-octane offense and has had multiple discussions with offensive line coach Dave Borbely about how he’ll fit in. Gonzaga runs an up-tempo offense, so Jordan already feels comfortable operating in that scheme.
Jordan joins four-star offensive linemen Jordan McNair and Marcus Minor in the 2017 class. The 290-pound center got the chance to play against both of his future teammates this season and was impressed by their size and skill.
Jordan visited College Park to watch the Terps’ 31-13 win over Rutgers to clinch bowl eligibility in the season finale. Next fall, he’ll join McNair and Minor to give Borbely’s line a more aggressive attitude.
“They’re telling me to prepare like I’m ready to steal a spot,” Jordan said.
