2018 Intro: Local ATH Layton Jordan emerges as a target
Local athlete Layton Jordan, a 2018 prospect out of McKeesport (Pa.), has emerged as a target to watch for Pitt fans locally due to an impressive blend of size and athleticism.
Although recruiting has grown into a much more fast-paced and advanced field than it was in years past, there are still “sleeper” prospects who emerge later in the cycle than some of their peers to become top recruits. In the Pittsburgh area, McKeesport (Pa.) athlete Layton Jordan could fit that bill in the 2018 class.
Jordan, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound prospect in the class of 2018, has had a breakout spring on the 7v7 and camp circuit after putting together a standout junior campaign for the McKeesport Tigers. Schools have been taking notice as of late, with programs like Bowling Green, Toledo, and Hampton extending offers to Jordan.
“I picked up offers from Hampton, Toledo, and Bowling Green and I have to go take a visit to Temple, but that should be an offer for me as well,” he said. “Schools have just been seeing my film, my season work, and what I’ve done this offseason. Just showing them what I can do.”
The blend of size and speed that Jordan possesses makes him intriguing at several positions right now, hence the “athlete” tag he’s been labeled with. At the Pylon 7v7 football event in Pittsburgh this weekend, Jordan excelled for Team 412 as a wide receiver, but he won’t be pegged to that position necessarily.
“Most schools are just recruiting me as an athlete. I can play wide out or slot receiver on offense and I can play linebacker on defense as well. I’m physical, I go at people,” Jordan explained.
The recruiting process is still new for Jordan, but he’s beginning to pick up yet more steam. If Temple does eventually join his offer list when he makes the visit, it will only add to that further. In the mean time, he’s beginning to receive attention from his hometown Pitt Panthers.
“I visited Toledo and then I’ll be going to some spring games for Hampton and Bowling Green. I’ll visit anywhere though. Pitt has started to recruit me too,” Jordan said. “They’re still looking at me. Pitt likes me on defense at linebacker.”
Evaluation Notes: As Jordan continues to grow into his body and add good weight, he seems most likely to play his college years at the linebacker position. While his ball skills make him intriguing as a deep threat among wide receivers, his tenacity, length, and athleticism seem to create a more intriguing package at linebacker. He’ll be a player to watch in June’s camp season for Pitt fans as he works out for an offer. Check out film of Jordan below:
