Interview: 4-Star 2020 California DT Jordan Berry Updates Season and Recruiting Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When looking across the college football landscape into the 2020 recruiting class, defensive tackle Jordan Berry fits that mold for any type of scheme. At 6-3, 315, he can line up at tackle in a 3-4 or 4-3 with given abilities to stop the run with strength and drive to collapse the pocket. His senior season is going to plan so far with a perfect record on the board for Narbonne High School, a defense that has only allowed 94 points in eight games, and a stat line of 17 tackles with five tackles for a loss and a sack as he eats up linemen so his linebackers can make plays.

The four-star talent has 11 offers extended and three official visits planned. Covering the exciting play on the field and the furor on the recruiting trail for Berry, we sat down for a quick overview of all of it.

*Click link for June 30, 2019, RNG video interview with Jordan Berry

Interview

Jordan, how has the 2019 season gone so far for you?

“Spectacular. I have been dominating this season and I have been going into the weight room keeping my strength up. My speed and strength have improved this season. It has been great.”

The team is undefeated, how are you guys looking?

“We are looking good. We are a team. We are 8-0 right now, but we need to be more disciplined. That is all.”

What is the defense doing well as a group shutting down opposing offenses holding them to 12 points per game?

“The defense is focused in practice. We are running more in practice, going over plays in practice, staying focused in games and dominating. We are going hard in the games because of how hard we go in practice.”

I saw you over the spring and summer. You mentioned then that working on your hands was an important part of your offseason grind. Which areas of your game are showing the biggest gains?

“My hand movement has improved. I have gotten faster, but my hand movement has gotten a lot better. Last year, I was not using my hands as effectively as I am now. I have a variety of hand movements now. I can pick from more than one.”

Are teams attacking you in a certain way to take you out of the action?

“They are double-teaming me or they will run away. If they do run my way, they will run once or twice. They will try me but I will make the tackle and they stop. Every single game I am getting double-teamed.”

Of the games played, which has been your best game this season?

“Buchanan (CA) was my best game. Lone Peak (UT) and San Pedro (CA) were good games too. I dominated in those games. I came out physical with my game face on. Against Buchanan, I think I had four tackles and in the San Pedro and Lone Peak games, I had three tackles in both. I was focused and ready to dominate.”

What do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game?

“Me being a grown man. I am babying little boys – the offensive lineman. I am more disciplined and more focused this year. I know the opposition’s plays better and I am more physical and stronger.”

Going into recruiting, which schools are taking an interest in you?

“Auburn, Louisville, Missouri, and Clemson are showing interest.”

How many offers do you have?

“I have 11 offers.”

Berry’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Boston College, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Oregon, Oregon State, Nebraska, UCLA, and USC

Do you have any official or unofficial visits coming up?

“Yes, sir. I am taking an official to Colorado on Nov. 9. I have official visits to Arizona and Auburn planned and unofficial visits to Louisville and Missouri.”

With the Colorado official coming up, what has you excited about that trip?

“I have not seen the real deal for Colorado yet. I will be there for the Stanford game; that will grab my attention really well.”

What are you looking for in the ideal school in the recruiting process?

“Academics and a family feel. They have to care for me and love me as student-athlete. I plan on being a district attorney, I want a school with a good law program. I just want a school that has my best interest.”

Understood. Looks like you guys have a great chance of closing out the regular season undefeated and with another Marine League title. Is there anything you want to accomplish on the field before the Gauchos go into the playoffs?

“I want to accomplish that we are No. 1. Our defense holding the Marine League and then we go into the playoffs to do the same thing. We will finish 13-0.”

Last question. What is your passion for the game? What drives you to succeed on the field?

“My mom. We talk before every game; we Facetime. My mom keeps me going, and my grandmother – she’s the enforcer.”

Jordan, always great chatting it up with you. I hope you and the Gauchos can carry the same success the rest of the way.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Narbonne HS; No. 40 Jordan Berry