Interview: Former 4-Star 2020 NG Jordan Berry Joins Fresno State Bulldogs Roster
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Playing in the defensive trenches for Narbonne, Jordan Berry worked his way into four-star recruiting status raking in double-digit scholarship offers during his high school career. As part of the 2020 recruiting class, Berry (6-3, 339) signed with Colorado but was forced to sit out the season after not being able to take his ACT or SAT due to the coronavirus. This winter, an opportunity opened with Fresno State putting him back on the path to collegiate gridiron glory.
Already enrolled, taking classes, and working out with the Bulldogs, Berry took a break from the college life for an update on his future with Fresno State.
*Click link for Jan. 2020 RNG video interview with Jordan Berry
Interview
Jordan, over the fall months, what were you doing to stay in shape and get ready for the next college opportunity?
To stay in football shape I was running, benching, and squatting. I did a lot of running. College football is way different and way faster than high school football. It is very challenging and intense.
What have you been doing over the last few months to expand your football IQ to keep up with the game?
I watched everyone from Narbonne that went to college. I was watching them play.
Watching your old teammates and their teams play, what were some of the things you learned that will help you going forward?
I learned that you can go to any school you want to and not play, but still have a chance. I learned that I have something to prove. Most of them did not play. Going to Fresno, I know I will have a chance to play. I learned that I need to run, workout, and help keep my old teammates up.
Earlier this month you signed with Fresno State. Walk me the process for you that led to the Bulldogs.
Shout out to Reggie, my camera man. Reggie was the main man for me. He contacted Fresno’s coaches. Their coaches agreed to take me as a walk-on. During spring ball, if I ball out I will get a scholarship. That is what led me to Fresno. It is like home. I like it. I am focusing on what I have to do now.
What style of defense will the Bulldogs be running in 2021?
I will be playing nose guard in their 3-4 front. They needed a nose guard to stop the run up the middle.
How do you see your skills fitting into the scheme?
I see my skills fitting in perfectly. I get good push off the snap. At Narbonne, we ran a 3-4 gap-controlled defense. I will fit into their defense very well. I have to learn the plays, but I will fit it very well. They even have some cross-faced plays like we ran at Narbonne.
Have you already started taking classes?
Yes, sir. I am taking classes already. On Jan. 23, I started. I am a communications and journalism major and I am interested in also majoring in fire science. I want to become a firefighter. Hopefully it all works out.
Are you participating in any team workouts and/or events yet?
Yes, sir. I lift every day. I even lift extra.
What is their workout program like for you? Or what’s it like overall for all the guys on the team?
We run a lot. On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday we run and the other days are position days. On Friday we do heavy back squat. My focus on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday is running. It is all about the intensity and challenging yourself, and outworking everyone else at your position.
Do you know when you get to put on the pads in practice for Fresno State?
Yes, sir. I know about that. We start on March 23.
Are you immediately available to play if called upon for the 2021 season?
Yes, sir. I am eligible to play. I am ready for a great season.
From the spring to the summer, what goals have you set for yourself as a Bulldog?
I want to be the No. 1 defensive tackle in the Mountain West Conference. This spring, I want to improve on my strength and conditioning with my running. I want to earn that starting job and that scholarship.
Jordan, it was great catching up with you today. I am excited to see how your college career with Fresno State turns out.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Berry family; Jordan Berry