Playing at an upper-echelon high school football program like Camden County, senior kicker Hudson Jordan has faced plenty of high pressure situations in big games. When he is called on to kick a field goal, his preparation is basic, yet profound.
“I clear my mind and take my steps back,” he said. “Then I take a deep breath and tell myself, ‘I’ve got this.'”
These three words create a confidence-building affirmation before an important undertaking. So far, the simple kicker’s motto has applied to anything Jordan has put to mind. Because he has taken Advanced Placement and Honors courses, his grade point average is an amazing 4.42. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Hispanic Honor Society and the Beta Club. He would like to, one day, work in Africa as a wildlife biologist.
“I want to help conserve and protect our world’s endangered and threatened species,” Jordan says. “Not only will it be saving the lives of animals, but it will be helping protect the planet’s biodiversity and natural resources.”
Jordan will attend Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida where he will be part of the Zoo Animal Technology Program for 5 semesters. Once he has completed the program, he plans to transfer to the University of Georgia to earn a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife.
In addition to being among the top of his class, Jordan is also a two-sport athlete. He started playing soccer when he was four years old and has continued through high school, where he is now a sweeper for the Camden County Wildcats of Coach Rob Gabriel.
“I played football in middle school as a center and linebacker,” Jordan says. He stopped playing football in eighth grade to join a select soccer team. In his sophomore year, former Camden County Coach Jeff Herron approached Jordan about trying out as kicker for the football team.
“To be asked to participate in the Camden program is an honor, to become a starter and contributing member is a real privilege,” said Hudson’s father, Jay Jordan. His first start came against Peachtree Ridge in a game televised statewide as part of the Corky Kell Classic in the Georgia Dome. His parents say he remained calm and focused despite being under such intense scrutiny. He went six-for-six in extra points during the game.
One of his goals for this season is to cause turnovers on kickoffs and thus far, he has been successful. “Hudson has an uncanny ability to kick the ball just high enough and deep enough so we can put pressure on the returners,” said Camden County Football Coach Welton Coffey. “He has been the catalyst of a number of fumble recoveries by our kickoff team this season.”
In Camden County High School’s first game of the 2014 season, Jordan didn’t aim for the back of the end zone, choosing instead to pop the kickoff closer to the 25-yard line. That is where the high arching, end-over-end kick came down to an unsuspecting Lincoln High School returner near the right sideline who immediately threw up his hand to signal for a fair catch. But the home crowd jumped out of their seats as Jordan’s kick bounced off of the Trojan receiver and was quickly recovered by the Wildcats. The turnover was promptly converted into six points and Jordan came on the add the extra point to put Camden County, up for good just a minute into the game.
“Hudson has a smile on his face, but has a burning desire to be great in what he is doing,” said Coach Coffey.
Jordan has lettered in football the past two seasons to go along with a varsity letter he earned for soccer his junior year. His goals on the soccer pitch this spring are two-fold. “I want to lead my team to a region championship and beat Glynn Academy,” he said
But first, there is the matter of football season, where Jordan says he wants to be perfect on field goals and extra points in the remaining games. He credits his coaches and former Jacksonville Jaguars’ kicker Mike Hollis for being the biggest influences on his game. Those close to Jordan say playing high school sports has increased his confidence in his abilities, both on and off the field.
When Jordan is not kicking he volunteers at the White Oak Conservation Center in Camden County. He also works as a soccer referee and likes to spend time with family and friends. Among his hobbies are kayaking, fishing and juggling. Friends say he has a great sense of humor and those around the program say he is a courteous, respectful young man.
“To be able to participate in sports at a high level and perform academically at a high level requires strong self-discipline,” said Hudson’s father, Jay Jordan. “Having faith in himself, his teammates, his coaches, and in God are expressed on a weekly basis.”
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Camden County
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Hudson Jordan
(W) Rob Asbell
A Kicker’s Motto: “I’ve Got This!”
