2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Richard Jordan Jr, LB, Missouri Southern State University

• Name: Richard Jordan Jr
• Position: LB
• College: Missouri Southern State University
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 225 lbs
• Twitter: @_Richard_J
• Instagram: @richardjordan05

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I was born into this my dad played for the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs and seeing my dad at practice and on madden video games made me want to be like him and really got me interested in football and made me want to get into the NFL.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

When I broke my dad’s most tackles in a game record at Missouri Southern which was 21 and my dad laughed at me when I said that I could break it and he said it was pretty hard but I set the new record of 26 tackles in a game against Washburn in 2019.

What sets you apart from other linebackers?

My high football IQ from being around the game so much I can’t watch a normal game of football anymore with my dad or by myself. I always think about what is going on and my dad has told me all the tips and tricks. Another thing is how versatile I am I have reps at defensive lineman, linebacker, defensive back and there was even one game I was at running back I am not limited to just linebacker.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I’m a high energy, very emotional person on the football field. I’m a four year starter so people look at me as a field general and I direct the defense when I am out there.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Bobby Wagner, he’s someone I look up to at inside linebacker and he’s smaller like me and I know I could get some valuable information from him.

How do you prepare for games?

I normally start off with a big film session and watch film all week. Watching film makes in game situations easier and I just normally pick up on tendencies from the offensive line all the way down to the running back.

What should we know about Richard Jordan Jr the person?

I do alot in the community outside of football do volunteer to help out and so I show my face to the fans that see me in the stands I know how important it is to have a personal connection with the people cheering me on the field.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

4-3, we have some really nice defensive linemen and when they get there jobs done it opens up the gaps for me and they are keeping the offensive linemen off of me so I can run to the ball. Sometimes even on big third downs they put me on the end down by the quarterback and send me on a blitz.

9.How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I was always taught the pyramids in Egypt weren’t built overnight so I just keep my head down and get through problems slowly and work towards my goals. I know with hard work that I can accomplish my goals.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A versatile football player who can play any position offense, defense and special teams. It doesn’t matter where I am on the football field I’m going to give it my full effort. I know my window is small so any opportunity I get I’m taking it by the horns and running away with it.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

It’s my senior year and I finally think I have the pieces around me to have a successful season with my teammates. I’ve been on a strict diet this offseason that has allowed me to get faster, stronger, and more bigger than I ever have been I’m just ready to see it correlate onto the football field.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Dwayne Lawson, he used to play football at Virginia Tech and he transferred to Missouri Southern and I’ve seen him jump over a full grown man and not many people do that. You’ll probably be hearing about him playing in the league one day too.