Get aboard the Ethan Jordan hype train

We like to promote local teams and individuals here at Chatham-Kent Sports Network. That’s our thing.

In that spirit, every week over next couple of months, we are going to promote Chatham’s Ethan Jordan for the Hec Crighton Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding Canadian football player in U Sports.

Why? Why not? Jordan is definitely a contender. A little marketing buzz doesn’t hurt.

First, Jordan should be a strong contender for the award. We’re biased, but we feel he’s the best receiver in Canadian university football. Look at his resume: three-time all-Canadian. Last year he led the country in receptions (59), touchdowns (10), yards per game (125), and total yards (1,000) by a receiver.

Second, we are taking some inspiration from U.S. college football. Pundits and fans talk about the Heisman Trophy all season long. They debate various players, using stats and other variables to makes lists and develop watch lists for the contenders. It’s a long season, Let’s have fun with this and jump on the Jordan train. At the very least it should be a fun ride to watch as the season progresses.

Only three receivers have won the Hec Crighton Award, with one of those receivers being Chatham’s Andy Fantuz in 2004.

The Canadian football website 3downnation.com has a Hec Crighton watch list, and Ethan Jordan is number two on their preseason list, which sounds about right.

A lot of eyes are going to be on Jordan this year. His quarterback from last year—Taylor Elgersma, won the award last year and is now with the Green Bay Packers. It would be a great story if Jordan can prove that he doesn’t need to ride the coattails of anyone to succeed.

All Heisman winners have highlight reels, and in this age of social media, highlight plays go viral. Jordan had a couple highlight plays in his first game against Guelph on the weekend.

He scored two touchdowns, including taking a short pass and outrunning everyone down the sideline. Overall, Jordan had eight catches for 123 yards. Laurier won 33-28 over Guelph.

The 71-yard touchdown is easy to find on the internet. Guelph football announcer Peter Cobb can be heard on the video, praising the “kid from the Maple City.”