Local lineman checks out Irish
Eriq Jordan is still getting used to the idea of being more than just a college football fan.
Since the high school season ended Jordan, a junior offensive tackle from Elkhart, Ind., has become more comfortable with that notion thanks to some visits. Last weekend Notre Dame played host and this Saturday he’ll be at Purdue for its season finale.
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Purdue has been a household favorite since Jordan was young, but things have gotten a little more complicated.
“I’m a real diehard Purdue fan,” Jordan said. “After Notre Dame, I don’t know. That place brings you in. It’s just so crazy. Pretty much my whole entire family went (to Purdue). I went to a lot of games when I was little.”
Jordan had attended a couple Notre Dame games before last weekend. This time around proved unique as the 6-foot-5, 235-pound prospect mingled with all the other recruits on campus and had a little bit of face time with head coach Brian Kelly.
“It was great,” Jordan said. “They had us do a lot of things not a lot of people get to do. They had us walking with the team and talk to coach Kelly and everything. It was great. Just how passionate the student section is and all the fans. They were just all crazy.”
Notre Dame joins Purdue and Indiana as those expressing interest. Indiana recruited Concord Community High School with success in the Class of 2012 when it signed tight end Jason Spriggs, a three-star prospect.
Jordan camped at Indiana over the summer and plans to do the same with Purdue this offseason.
“From IU I’ve been hearing that I have a great size and great athleticism for my size,” Jordan said. “That’s kinda what they look for in an offensive tackle. For Purdue, they wanna see a little bit more from me. But like IU, I have great athleticism and I have a great potential.”
This weekend Jordan will rekindle things with Purdue on an unofficial visit. Despite a season that hasn’t met expectations and the uncertainty surrounding the future of head coach Danny Hope, Jordan is excited to get another look at his childhood favorite.
It will also be the biggest game of the season as it comes against in-state rival Indiana.
“I think it’s gonna be probably the most exciting game of the Purdue season,” Jordan said. “It’s IU. Other than Notre Dame, I think this one is gonna be crazy. I think they’re gonna pull this one off.”
