Strong gets national attention

 

By Ike House
Every school has an exceptional athlete who exceeds expectations and makes a name for themselves early in their career. Exceptional athletes have never been short in Panola County and this one is no different.
Jordan Strong has been a big time athlete since his Jr. High years but he really turned it on last season. In his junior year Strong caught over 44 catches for 639 yards and six touchdowns.
He averaged 14.5 yards a game which is big for any receiver but not only did he have offensive stats, he is also a defensive player. Strong had 15 tackles, 15 pass deflections, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a tackle for a loss.
He was considered as one of the top athletes in the state after garnering 1st team All-Region and All-County awards.
The things he did to get these awards also got the attention from some big camps which he got invitations to. For a rising senior the bigger the camps the better.
He received invitations from the Opening which is the biggest 7-on-7 competition in high school football. Strong will go to Dallas to audition and if he works out well then will be invited to the competition in Oregon.
The event will be televised on ESPN and ESPNU. He also has been invited to Rivals Three Stripe Camp hosted by Addias where athletes like first round prospect Leonard Fournette participated.
A new camp called the Mississippi Grind 7-on-7 has invited Strong to be part of the competition. He also has been invited to the UAB camp.
“It’s has to be between the Opening and UAB because coach told me if I have a good showing then I will get the offer,” Strong said “But I’m ready for all of them.”
Strong said his main goal this summer is to get all of the receivers ready for the upcoming season so that they can come out on top this season as champs.
South Panola has spent the last two years taking a first round exit in the playoffs but Strong said he intends to change that.
“Getting stronger and getting some depth at receiver and trying to get Norman Smith some more reps,” Strong said “and teaching the new guys the plays cause Coach Woods has some different things drawn up.”
Smith is a junior on the team.
Strong also said that he is ready to step out on both sides of the field but he is more excited about the corner position.
Strong has gotten a lot attention for schools like Southeast Missouri, UAB, Middle Tennessee and South Alabama.
“Middle Tennessee has interested me the most because of mys relationship with the coach and how he is trying to get to know me and my family,” Strong said.
Strong and the Tigers are looking forward to stepping on the field and reclaiming the state title in 6A this season.
Strong is the son of Caroline Strong.