ROCKINGHAM – Just two days before National Signing Day, Jordyn Wall became the third Richmond Raider football player to verbally commit to play Division I football.
And the coolest thing for the 17-year-old is the chance to continue playing the sport he loves at such a high level.
Wall, a senior wide receiver and punt returner, made his announcement Monday evening that he’ll be joining the Presbyterian College Blue Hose football program for the next four years. He joined fellow teammates Jake Ransom (UNC-Charlotte) and Malik Stanback (Wofford) on the Division I circuit.
With his decision, Wall became the most recent of a dozen Raider and Lady Raider student-athletes who will sign their Letters of Intent or commitment letters Wednesday in an official ceremony.
Wall took to Twitter to inform those closest to him, as well as many of his teammates, that Clinton, S.C., will be home for him over his collegiate career.
“First off, I would like to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play football at the next level,” his Tweet read. “Next, I want to thank my family, coaches and teammates. Y’all helped me develop into the type of person and player I am today.
“Thanks to all the coaches and schools that showed me interest, but I would like to say that I have chosen to continue my education and career at Presbyterian College,” he finished.
The 5-10, 160-pound Wall will join longtime head coach Tommy Spangler and the Blue Hose primarily as a wideout, but also expects to see some time returning punts.
Presbyterian wasn’t the only college to reach out to Wall, as he explained he also received interest from Chowan University, Guilford College, Methodist University, as well as Averett University and Randolph-Macon College, both in Virginia.
“It feels really good to know that there were six programs that wanted me to be a part of their program,” Wall said. “I also applied to UNC, N.C. State, Wingate and Catawba College just for academics. But I decided to go to Presbyterian.”
Wall currently boasts a 4.48 GPA in high school, and plans to major in mathematics and minor in computer science. Some of his Raider coaches attested to his abilities on the field and in the classroom.
“One of the smartest and most savvy WRs I’ve had the privilege of coaching,” assistant head football coach Greg Williams tweeted.
Raider head football coach Bryan Till followed suit, adding, “What a great young man. (The) definition of great all around. Nothing he can’t do. Good luck.”
Wall explained that Presbyterian first reached out to him in December, sending assistant coach Roland Matthews to Rockingham to meet with him. During that initial meeting, Matthews expressed the program’s interest in Wall, and set up an official visit to campus for this past Saturday.
Joined by his mother Sabrina Dawkins, his stepfather Dereck Barringer Sr., and cousin and sophomore teammate Justin Morman, Wall made the trip over the weekend, and didn’t take long to decide he’d found his new home.
“I talked with them about it and it was a group decision,” Wall shared. “The school had really good facilities, and I really liked their training room. The football program really seemed to keep up to date with everything.
“I was also impressed with the academics,” he added. “At Presbyterian, they make sure we’re in class and they have a football study hall.”
Wall’s mind was made up before leaving his official visit, but he “waited until Monday night to put it on Twitter.”
Embedded in Wall’s verbal commitment was the phrase “110 percent,” which was to show everyone that he’s more than committed to trying to make an impact on the Blue Hose program.
In 2018, Spangler and the Blue Hose went 2-8 overall, and finished last in the Big South Conference with an 0-5 record. But those numbers aren’t deterring Wall, as he hopes to help the program make an upward swing in the standings over the next four seasons.
“I want to help make an impact, that’s why I said 110 percent,” he smiled. “It feels good not having to worry whether or not I was going to sign Wednesday, and I’m glad to know where I’m going.
“I’m excited about the development of me as a person on and off the field,” he added. “The coaches told me that these next four years will change me the most. And I’m blessed to continue to play at such a high level.”
During his senior campaign for the Raiders this past fall, Wall was a consistent contributor in the passing game. He snagged 29 receptions for 347 yards, both of which were second on the team behind sophomore Jakolbe Baldwin.
He also added two touchdowns, the first a 45-yard score against Hoke County High School midway through the season, the other in a 49-7 rout against Reagan High School during the second round of the NCHSAA playoffs. As the team’s No. 1 punt returner, Wall returned 15 punts for 144 yards (9.6 yards per return).
“I just want to be in the position for when they need me,” Wall said of helping out the Blue Hose. “Especially in third-and-long situations when we need a first down, I want them to be able to trust me.
“Playing at Richmond taught me a lot of life lessons and stories, and my coaches have helped prepare me for D-I football,” he concluded. “We played against three-time defending state title winner Wake Forest, and I know I’m not the biggest person on the field, but I know I can compete with some of the best out there.”
Wall, along with 11 other classmates, will sign his National Letter of Intent in an official ceremony Wednesday in Richmond’s media center at 2 p.m.
