As the third option in the Harlan County running game as a sophomore in 2021, Thomas Jordan had time to watch and learn as both Demarco Hopkins and Luke Carr each topped the 1,000-yard rushing mark.
Jordan always had the big-play speed going back to his middle school days, but he eventually learned that power was also crucial to success and started putting in the work in weight room. The results came quickly as Jordan rushed for a team-high 1,044 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
“I really think what happened for Thomas is that he started hanging with Demarco, and they worked out all the time,” Harlan County coach Amos McCreary said. “Thomas got his body ready to play football. He got stronger. He knew he had to do some of it on his own, and that’s what he did. I think that was the big change for him because he started breaking some tackles.”
Jordan likes his chances of repeating last year’s success with another season focused on getting stronger. The Bears are moving from 4A to 5A this season. Even though it’s a move up, HCHS won three regional titles in 5A but none during its time in 4A.
“I’ve been in the gym with Brandon (Bell) and going pretty hard at it, and I think we’ll have a good year,” he said. “Moving into 5A will be different for all of us, but I’m hoping we can keep getting better and have a positive record and make something happen in the playoffs.”
McCreary said part of Jordan’s success can be attributed to more patience as he realized he couldn’t break big plays every time he touched the ball.
“Every team knows the guys who get the ball the most, but he can’t worry about that,” McCreary said. “I tell them big plays will come. You can’t upset if they don’t happen the first play or the second because somewhere it will happen if you put the work in. I think he’ll have a good season.”
Jordan said he gained important experience the past couple of years.
“It was new to me at first, but once I got used to work with the linemen we were able to make some plays. The first step inside or outside is important for what I do,” he said.
As you might expect with a game based on speed, Jordan has also had quite a bit of success in track, especially in the 4 x 100 where he teamed with Hopkins, Luke Carr and Luke Kelly to break several school records and qualify for the state meet in 2022. He missed track last season after suffering injuries in an automobile accident that sidelined him until the final three weeks of the season.
“I felt like I wasn’t ready for the regional, but I’m excited to get back for my senior year,” Jordan said.
Heading into the 2024 opener on Aug. 19 at Middlesboro, the Bears are focusing on improving depth on the line by playing more people and limiting the amount of plays to keep them fresh.
“We’ve got try to get more people playing on the offensive and defensive lines,” McCreary said. “We’ve played seven or eight guys two years. We came in here last year and Johnson Central didn’t have a first down the first two times they got the ball, but from then on they took over. Kids get worn out playing every snap. We know we need more depth. Whether that works or not, I don’t know, but we’re going to try.”
Jordan has worked with several of his linemen since their junior high days, including seniors Will Cassim and Jacob Shoemaker.
“Will and Jacob are pretty smart and communicate real well with me to let me know what’s going on,” Jordan said. “I just look for a little crease and go with it.”