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 It isn’t the usual route for a junior college transfer to redshirt their first year at a four-year college. Usually the FBS coaches take junior college players who can contribute right away. For Kamar Jorden, taking a redshirt in the 2009 season at Bowling Green turned out to be a very good thing.
In his 18 games since the redshirt season, Jorden has made 131 receptions for 1,524 yards and nine touchdowns. Last season Jorden led the Mid-American Conference with 96 receptions for 1,109 yards. Both the receptions and yards are the third-best single-season totals at Bowling Green.
“It was definitely a long road,” Jorden said. He attended Penn Wood High School outside of Philadelphia where he was a second-team all-state selection as a senior. Jorden then spent two years at Hudson Valley (N.Y.) Community College, setting the school records for receptions and yards as a sophomore.
“I had to get my grades right and play football and then whatever happens, let it fall into my hands,” Jorden continued.
“After my sophomore year in junior college, Bowling Green called. I came here. I loved the visit. I loved the whole team atmosphere. I loved the small college town.”
However, BG’s coaches decided it would be best to give Jorden a year to get used to the system.
“Redshirting wasn’t really that big of a deal,” Jorden said. “I think that was the best opportunity for me. I actually got to sit back and watch Freddie (Barnes) do his thing; watch all the defenses and stuff like that and learn. That really helped me out.”
Barnes made 155 receptions for 1,770 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2009.
Jorden knew he would be getting the ball a lot in 2010, but didn’t think it would be 96 receptions.
“We expected to throw the ball a lot and I was just ready to go in every game,” Jorden said. “I knew I could make those type of plays whenever the quarterback would throw me the ball or the coaches would put the game in my hands.
“Once I get on the field, I feel I can play with anybody.”
This season the Falcons have been able to spread the ball around with the emergence of
Eugene ‘Binky’ Cooper early in the year and the presence of several other capable receivers as well as the development of the entire offense.
“The great thing in our program is that we’ve recruited well. We’ve developed guys at that position,” BG head coach Dave Clawson said. “If teams want to double him (Jorden), then someone else is getting singled up and we’re very comfortable if the ball goes somewhere else.”
Jorden said with the improved offense, defenses cannot just focus on one receiver.
“That has been a big part of our offense moving the ball this year and us being able to play our game,” Jorden said.
At 6-feet-3 and 196 pounds, Jorden has good size for a wide receiver, but he is always looking for ways to improve his game.
“I think I’m good about putting my body in the best position to go up and get the ball. I always work on that,” Jorden said. “I’ve been working on a lot of my routes and getting separation (from the defensive backs).
“I still have a lot to improve on ... I’m just trying to get better. Everyday in practice, every game, I see different stuff all the time.’’
Clawson sees Jorden as a multi-talented receiver.
“He’s capable of running by you. He’s capable of getting yards after the catch. He’s a big guy who has a big wing span. He can go up high and get the ball. He catches the ball outside the framework of his body exceptionally well. He blocks well,” Clawson said.
“He’s not a possession guy that runs 12-yard comebacks and 14-yard curls and digs. Every route in our offense we’re comfortable running with Kamar.”
Jorden and his teammates face Toledo Saturday with kickoff at noon in Perry Stadium. It’s BG’s Homecoming.
“There is a whole different feeling to the town. Everybody is fired up, everywhere you go,” Jorden said about the rivalry game. “You go into a meeting room and the coaches are fired up. You go into the weight room, the weight room is fired up. Even the equipment guys (are fired up).
“It’s a whole different feel through this whole area and I love it. I’ve never been a part of a big rivalry like this,’ Jorden continued. “I like the challenge.”
A liberal studies major, Jorden plans to graduate in December. He would like to stay in the area and find a job while continuing to work out in an effort to land a spot in the National Football League.
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