The Nightmare in Wesleyan’s Secondary is the Real Deal

Exclusive Interview with Jordan Mack

 

Life is full of unfair moments. Sometimes as a society we choose to feel bad for those victimized in those unfair moments. As the holiday season approaches football fans collectively should feel sorry for any skill position player forced to run up the middle or catch a pass cross field when Jordan Mack is deep for Wesleyan.

Far more frightening than a horror film, the nightmare for opposing skill position players is real. Mack is a 6’3”, 194 pound, tough as nails safety or cover corner as needed that can bench press 285 pounds, squat 405 pounds, and runs a 4.45 forty-yard dash.

College recruiters are falling in love with Mack’s punishing plays and ball hawk skills meaning this freight train in the Norcross secondary will one day soon be unleashing his talents on a bigger stage for the whole world to appreciate.

Mack sat down to talk about the 2014 season, recruiting, and preparing for his senior season in 2015.

 

Mack, the Wolves lost in the first round of the Georgia high school state playoffs 28-21 to Heard County. Despite the tough first round loss, looking back how do you feel about how Wesleyan performed in 2014?

“I feel like we made some big steps in from 2-9 in 2013 to coming back this year to go 6-5 and making the playoffs. The team responded to the challenge. We had great leadership from the senior and junior classes. Everyone bought in with what the coaches were teaching. We spent a lot of time in the offseason working to get better.”

With all the players expected to comeback next season, how does the team look for the 2015 season?

“We’re ecstatic about next year. We should have 22-23 seniors. We expect to do better. We are planning on playing on Thanksgiving next year and beyond. We want to go as far as we can into the playoffs. We have really high expectations for 2015.”

What do the Wolves need to do in the offseason to prepare for a successful 2015 season?

“We’ve got to take the next step. It all starts with the team leadership. We have to take from what we learned and improve upon on that on the field. We also have to get better at studying film and applying that on the field.”

What was the strength of this year’s team?

“Our senior leadership was a strength of the team. Those guys were great. They demanded a lot. A lot of guys respected that and went out and fought.”

What are your strengths on the field in the secondary?

“I’m a guy that will always be around the ball. I can come up and make a big hit, can break up a pass, and I can cover a good wide receiver and shut him down if needed.”

Have you received any individual honors for the 2014 season yet?

“I was invited to Georgia Senior Bowl in December and I was selected as the Defensive Player of the Week twice for our county but the other awards have not been announced yet.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“I want the team to make a run to the state championship. I want to be the type of senior leader I know that I can be. Hopefully I can take that next step to being a great player leaving the program at a high level.”

Will your role change next year?

“I played wide receiver my freshman and sophomore year, coach wanted me to focus on defense as junior. Next year I should play some at receiver during my senior year.”

Between offense and defense, which side of the ball do you like playing better?

“I like getting the ball in my hands and taking off running at wide receiver. I like to truck a guy or make a guy miss but I’m a defense guy at heart.”

Your solid play on defense has not gone unnoticed by college coaches. Which teams are recruiting you or showing interest in you right now?

“I have an offer from Georgia Tech. Duke, Georgia, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Wisconsin, Penn State, Boston College, Miami, Louisville, Arkansas, Northwestern, and Oregon has all shown interest.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I’ve taken unofficial visits to Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt. I really enjoyed both visits. Both schools are pluses in my book.”

When you’ve talked to the different college coaches what comments have they made about your game?

“The coaches have told me they like the way I play, how big I am, and how I can cover big time wide receivers from the cornerback position.”

When the time comes to make a decision about which school you will commit to what are the main points that will factor into your decision?

“No. 1, academics – when football ends I want to be able to provide for my family doing something I enjoy. No. 2, the program – the environment around the city. No. 3 – the success of the program and the graduation rate of the players on the team.”

Are you going to any college camps this summer?

“I plan to take visits to BC, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Penn State, N.C. State, and Virginia for junior days. I’m not sure which camps I will attend yet.”

What NFL players do you like watching play the game?

“I like watching Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman and Baltimore Ravens safety Matt Elam. Sherman can get out in space and cover a guy. Matt Elam comes up and hits a guy.”

Do you play any other sports other than football?

“I play basketball and run track”

What events to you participate in track?

“I participate in the 4×1 4×4, high jump, 100, 200, and sometimes the 400.”

What is your best 100m time?

“I think my best 100 was 11.1.”

What about high jump?

“I came in fifth place last year in state jumping 6-foot 6-inches. Our 4×4 team came in fourth place.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“Both my brothers and my father have had the biggest impact. My father always pushed me to get better and told me what it took to be the best. Watching my brother play inspired me. He plays safety for Richmond (Charles Mack, sophomore). He helps me a lot. He talks to me about the game and helps me get better.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“I love being with the team. The moments in the locker room, the fun, the tightness of the group and being able to share time with the guys. That’s what I love best about the game.”

 

Mack had 70 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles as a junior. His size, speed, and strength as a junior is scary, scary to think just how great of a player he will become over time with more game experience. Thoughts of former NFL great Steve Atwater come to mind; big, always around the ball, and willing to stick his helmet on anyone with the ball.

Mack is as sharp of a guy off the field as his on the field; thoughtful, team first, and driven for success. His future is already bright. Over time we all get to watch just how bright his future will become.