6-4/255 Chandler (AZ) High School defensive end Cameron Jordan informed both Cal Head Coach Jeff Tedford and Defensive Line Coach Ken Delgado today that he was heading to Cal next fall.
“They were both real excited,” said Jordan. “It’s all good. I’m going to get bigger and stronger and work hard and be ready to come in and contribute and compete for playing time next year.”
The opportunity to play early with the graduation of the core of Cal’s defensive end depth in Nu’u Tafisi, Abu Ma’Afala and Steve Kelly was something that clearly appealed to Jordan, the 6th rated recruit in the state of Arizona.
“The lack of depth at defensive end at Cal actually definitely played a role in my decision,” said Jordan. I know some good D Ends are graduating at Cal. It seems like defensive end is the position that everybody’s looking for this year.
“Coach Delgado said they were looking for at least two freshman to play a role on the defensive line next year and hopefully I’m one of them."
Despite his impressive size and speed (with a hand-timed 4.68 forty), Jordan is not content to let his size do the talking. He’s working hard with strength and conditioning coach Jay Schroeder, who is well known for his work with standout pro safety Adam Archueleta.
“My getoff is one of the strengths of my game,” said Jordan. “It seems like with my first three or four steps, they couldn’t keep up with me."
Jordan’s recruitment started with Cal Running Backs Coach Ron Gould and built from there with DL Coach Delgado.
“Coach Delgado’s really a technician,” said Jordan. “When I worked with him this summer at Cal camp, I learned more from him in a few minutes than I’d learned in a long time. Two weeks after camp, Cal offered me.
"Coach Delgado’s always been very straightforward with me and I like that, noted Jordan.”
Jordan’s size and production will be a valued commodity at Cal. The All-State DE racked up 17.5 sacks, 37 hurries and 85 tackles on the year in leading his Chandler squad to an impressive 11-2 record before falling in a tough loss to 5A state finalist Mountain View last month.
Jordan will join St. Louis Honolulu defensive ends Scott Smith and Solomona Aigamaua on the DL next season in the Class of 2007.
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