With 22 underclassmen on the roster, a new starting quarterback under center and just five wins to its name over the past five seasons, you wouldn’t fault the Jordan-Matthews football team for being less than confident heading into the 2022 season.
Instead, second-year head coach Ryan Johnson is playing things close to the vest.
In Johnson’s first year at the helm last fall, the Jets lost their first nine games, suffering six defeats by 45 points or more. Despite the struggles, an encouraging sign presented itself when the team wrapped up the season with a 24-0 win over East Chapel Hill.
Although the win was a small consolation after a long gauntlet of disappointment, Johnson said he has been pleased with how the positive momentum has carried into the offseason as his young, rebuilding team prepares for the new year.
“Our main focus this offseason has been the aspect of changing the culture,” Johnson said. “We want to be competitive every game.”
One of Johnson’s biggest roadblocks in accomplishing those lofty goals begins with replacing the production of Calvin Schwartz, the team’s most dynamic weapon — who led the Jets in passing, rushing and passes intercepted last season. Despite the loss, Johnson said several freshmen have already emerged as key pieces that can step into the spotlight and help the team turn the corner.
Manning the quarterback position will likely be freshman Nick Glover, who has already impressed the coaching staff with his leadership and communication throughout the preseason.
As a dual-threat signal caller that can make plays with both his arm and his legs, Glover could be an ideal fit in a run-heavy offensive scheme expected to include both options and designed quarterback runs.
“(Nick) works on his skills and leadership with his receivers outside of practice, he does it on his own,” Johnson said. “He’ll be a bright shining star for us.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the Jets return Connor Redding, a junior All-Conference defensive back, and also bring in freshmen Jakari Blue and DeAntaye Smith, who have showcased their versatility in preseason camp by playing both running back and linebacker.
Both Blue and Smith will be key cogs in the Jets’ 4-2-5 base defense, which features two deep safeties able to adapt to however their opponents line up.
“Jakari has a motor on him, he doesn’t stop,” Johnson said. “And DeAntaye — we call him JoJo — has the skillset you don’t see in freshmen, he’s the total package.”
While improving on-field production has taken up a significant portion of the team’s offseason, a growing camaraderie has also been sparked thanks to a series of team-bonding activities.
Earlier this summer, the Jets traveled to Greensboro to watch the Carolina Cobras indoor football team. In practice, the Cobras participate in a drill called “lean on me,” where teammates are tasked with working together and leading one another.
“It’s kind of a conditioning drill, where the key is to take ownership and responsibility of your teammate because otherwise, it’s going to hurt you in the end,” Johnson said.
Improvement from last season’s 1-9 mark is expected, but regardless of results, Johnson won’t be ready to dial down his emphasis on getting better. According to him, three to four wins would constitute a step in the right direction while still saving room for more growth down the line as his young players gain valuable experience.
Although the long road to building a program from the ground up may take some time, the Jets seem to be enjoying the journey just as much as the destination.
“We’re going to be better than last year,” Johnson said. “We have a plan, and we plan on sticking to that plan.”
Jordan-Matthews opens the 2022 season Aug. 19 on the road at Southwestern Randolph.
2022 Schedule