Commitment Report: Jordan Nolan (Coon Rapids-2020)

<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">Three days ago, stud <em>Coon Rapids Cardinals</em> LB <strong></strong> (6'1, 220 lbs.) verbally committed to Coach Cory Suter and DC Shay McClure of the Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs of the Northern Sun conference (D2). The Mustangs are picking up an instinctual linebacker who is fast sideline to sideline as well as aggressive in getting through gaps in the line. Also a hard hitter, <strong>Nolan</strong> led Coon Rapids in tackles in 2019 (92) while being a critical piece in terms of leadership and commitment in turning around a historically challenged <em>Cardinals</em> program and led them to the state semifinals in 5A during the '19 season.</span> [caption id="attachment_15883" align="alignright" width="161"] Nolan with his commitment pic![/caption] <span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">It was their best season in decades, and much of the success can be attributed to <strong>Nolan</strong>. The 2x All-Conference honoree was kind enough to give me and <em>Northstar Football News</em> a few minutes of his time and answer some of the inquiries regarding <em>Coon Rapids'</em> 2019 turnaround, his recruitment as a prep, and his commitment to SMSU in Marshall, Minn. Enjoy! Hudl: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/7966347/5d9df63204286813607e13c8">http://www.hudl.com/video/3/7966347/5d9df63204286813607e13c8</a></span> <em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">NFN: Hello and </span></em><span style="font-family: times new roman, times, serif"><i>congrats on the decision, <strong>Jordan</strong>! I hope you've enjoyed the relief of the commitment. First begin by sharing some details of your personal recruitment process with us. </i></span> <strong><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">Nolan: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">"D</span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">uring the recruiting process, I didn't start hearing from schools until March. It felt great to know that I have school recruiting me and it made me want to work harder to become a better football player. An important part of the recruiting process for me was building a relationship with the coaches."</span> <em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">NFN: What stood out to you about Coach Suter and the Mustang program as opposed to the other schools recruiting you?</span></em> <strong><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">Nolan: "</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">I committed to Southwest Minnesota state because when I stepped on campus and started to get to know the coaches, you could really tell how much they care about football, also the coaches emphasized on the importance of academics and of becoming a better person in society. Another thing that stood out for me was the culture of the program. You could really tell that the football team was like a family."</span> <em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">NFN: That's great. Just finish by telling us a little bit about Coon Rapids' 2019 season as well as your own personal success.</span></em> <strong><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">Nolan: </span></strong><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">"The football season at coon rapids was unforgettable. The first game of the season against <em>St.Thomas Academy</em> was a bad game for us. But after that loss we realized that we are a couple little things to fix and that we will be fine.</span> [caption id="attachment_15884" align="alignright" width="300"] Nolan with a big tackle vs. SLP.[/caption] <span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">We ended up beating <em>Forest Lake</em> the next game. And week 3 against <em>Spring Lake Park</em> was a big game for us. Our team seemed like we found our rhythm. We ended up winning four straight after the<em> St.Thomas</em> game. We ended the regular season 5-3. Then we made it to the state semifinals and lost to a really good <em>Chaska</em> team. Personally the season went well for me. I ended the season with 92 tackles and earned all conference."</span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif">Thank you so much for the insight, <strong>Jordan</strong>! Good luck to you in your college career.</span>