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Coming into the 2018 college football season, true freshman Brevin Jordan was expected to play a critical role for a Miami Hurricanes offense that was losing tight end Christopher Herndon’s talent to the NFL.
Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada and powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School, Jordan has been exactly that: a critical piece to the Miami Hurricanes offense that has seen its fair share of struggling.
Despite an ankle injury that cut the end of his regular season short by a game, Jordan hauled in 30 catches for 245 yards and 4 touchdowns. His production, which by most standards should be considered a positive for a relatively sputtering offense, earned Jordan All-ACC Second Team honors and Midseason Freshamn All-American honors from ESPN.
While question marks remain if N’Kosi Perry will be the starting quarterback for the Pinstriple Bowl following allegations surrounding his social media, Brevin Jordan will be Perry’s most important target.
A majority of Jordan’s production has come with Perry under center. This was especially apparent in the Hurricanes’ matchup against Florida International, when the two freshmen connected for 67 yards and a touchdown on 5 receptions.
The main reason for this is that Jordan’s skill set is one of the most well-rounded the Hurricanes might ever have at the tight end position.
Jordan, who’s 6’3” frame makes him looks like a wide receiver, has speed that makes him faster than most linebackers faced. This was apparent when Perry connected with Jordan for a 41-yard touchdown in the Hurricanes win over Florida State.
Matchup ALERT
— rOmaN (@romancane) October 7, 2018
Miami runs a dagger concept from 11 set personnel. Brevin Jordan in the slot vs a linebacker who has no earthly shot here.
Man 1 coverage. Kosi stares at the single high safety fully knowing he's throwing to Brev.
Safety puts on the cement shoes. SIX pic.twitter.com/QqkNmCaTC1
On this play, Jordan is covered by linebacker DeCalon Brooks while lined up in the slot. Running a dagger concept, Jordan’s route is a streak. With Jordan’s combination of a quick release and baseline speed, Brooks stands no chance in coverage. After some nice use of the eyes from the pocket, Perry is able to deliver a perfect strike for a game-changing touchdown.
When Jordan’s speed isn’t used to bust through the seams, it can be used on shorter route concepts.
In the game against Virginia earlier this season, Perry connected with Jordan for a gain of 22 on a pass right around the line of scrimmage.
KAAYA FILM STUDY: Now, here is the thing no one wants to hear but Miami did make adjustments in the 2nd half.
— 5Rings_Canes (@5Rings_Canes) October 16, 2018
As you can see, against a change pressure look, Miami used Brevin Jordan to chip and release for a 22 yard gain. pic.twitter.com/6vgnzUDI1V
In this situation, Jordan is used as a chip blocker. After a perfectly executed chip block, Jordan runs a route to the flat. Once Perry finds Jordan, Jordan turns up field and uses a combination of his speed and open field ability to get past a few Virginia defenders for an easy first down.
Both situations will be important when the Hurricanes take the field against the Wisconsin Badgers at Yankee Stadium for the Pinstripe Bowl.
While there have been questions about Jordan’s ankle and his availability for the game, some doubt has been removed with Jordan returning to practice earlier this month.
Jordan will likely be lined up against one of the two Wisconsin inside linebackers. His speed is critical when asked to break the seam because Jordan won’t be able to use his size to beat the linebackers.
When Jordan is not breaking the seam, Jordan has to be able to chip effectively. Wisconsin’s defensive line dominates in size compared to Miami’s tight ends and running backs, meaning quick chips will be critical to beat any blitzes.