After putting up record breaking numbers this past season with the University of Charleston, former Scott High running back and Kennedy Award winner Jordan Roberts will have a chance at making an NFL roster as he heads to rookie mini-camp with the Chiefs.
Roberts, who rushed for a WVIAC-best and school single-season record 1,572 yards and 18 touchdowns this past season, was given an opportunity with Kansas City following last weekend’s NFL Draft.
“I think it’s well-deserved,” said Charleston head coach Pat Kirkland. “Jordan is a young man that has worked extremely hard to put himself in this position and I’m excited for him, his family and the University of Charleston. I know he’ll do a great job.”
Kirkland, of course, came to Charleston following a tenure on the staff at WVU. He was on the staff when Roberts initially walked-on with the Mountaineers out of high school.
“We actually had him on the defensive side of the ball (at one time) playing a down-safety position and he did a great job,” Kirkland said. “He had the same work ethic back then and you could see that he was going to be a special player.”
Ultimately, though, Roberts decided to drop down to the Division II level with Charleston – a decision that couldn’t have worked out much better for him.
“That was big, because he became the guy,” Kirkland said. “For what we did offensively, we were going to establish a great running game and be efficient in the passing game. Jordan was a back that could handle 25 to 32 carries per game, 55 snaps per game and be on special teams. He put himself in a position where he was our guy and our offense.”
And it was that diversity and durability that was attractive to NFL teams through the draft process.
“Moving forward in a professional career, it gives him the availability to be involved in not just the offense, but also special teams,” Kirkland said. “That’s something that will help him drastically when he’s trying to make the team.”
As for why he signed with the Chiefs?
“He had about four or five teams he was looking at (to sign with),” Kirkland said. “He felt Kansas City gave him the best opportunity longevity wise to make the team and be involved. He liked the
ir history and possibility of keeping free agents. He just felt it was the best fit for him.”
Regardless of whether Roberts makes it onto the Chiefs roster, Kirkland expects him to be prepared mentally for the challenge.
“From day one, he had a plan and knew what his long term goals were,” Kirkland said. “He understands that the only way to achieve those goals is through hard work and dedication, and he’s done that. I think he’s really over the last couple of years done a better job mentally in the film room as well.
“Jordan is about as good as they come,” he continued. “He’s the whole package – a big physical football player. He also approaches his normal everyday routines when it comes to football with a passion. That’s what really separates him, he’s a very highly motivated person.”
For Kirkland, though, he’s now trying to find the next Jordan Roberts from the state.
“I’ve always told our staff as far as instate talent, if they don’t go to West Virginia or Marshall, we’ve got to get them to Charleston,” Kirkland said. “Now that we have somebody like Jordan Roberts who was a Kennedy Award winner coming out of high school, had great success and saw he could reach his goals here and get to the NFL, it’s a great example.”