Nebraska Football: Could Dylan Jordan be the Huskers Shaq Griffin?

Nebraska football is in a fight for 2019 outside linebacker Dylan Jordan, a guy that defensive coordinator Erik Chinander compared to Shaq Griffin.

It’s no secret that the Nebraska football program is doing whatever it can during the recruiting process to upgrade its defense and finding the next Shaquem Griffin would be a huge help in that endeavor.

Well, in the coming weeks, Nebraska football will have a chance to sign a player that fits the mold of Griffin and that’s linebacker Dylan Jordan, a late-rising prospect that has the Huskers among his top five.

The three-star linebacker, who is the fifth-best player in Kansas, announced a new top five Tuesday that included Nebraska, as well as Kansas State, Utah, Auburn and TCU. Previously, Kansas was part of the top five but the Jayhawks were dropped from consideration.

While the early signing period has come and gone, players like Jordan will have the chance to sign again starting February 6. With many players signed already, the competition for those that remain has been fierce, something Jordan can attest to. In early December, he only had offers from Kansas State and a couple of FCS schools, now, teams from the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12 and Pac 12 are all competing or his services.

“Most definitely it’s picked up,” Jordan said in an interview with Husker Corner. “It was crazy going from only having K-State and FCS schools looking, then blow up.”

As far as Nebraska football is concerned, the 6-foot-3, 216-pound linebacker could play multiple positions on the Huskers defense, whether it be inside linebacker or outside linebacker. Jordan is a pass rusher, but he also has good coverage skills and is solid against the run.

“I love that (Nebraska) could play me in coverage, man on receivers and throw in some zone,” Jordan said. “But at the same time, I love that they’ll send me to rush the passer or fill run in the middle.”

Jordan, who has been recruited mainly by defensive coordinator Erik Chinander, said that Chinander, who coached Shaq Griffin at UCF, compared Jordan, who has similar measurables to the linebacker currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks. In 2016 and 2017 playing for UCF, Griffin tallied 33.5 TFL, 18.5 sacks, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

“Coach Chinander compared me to Shaquem Griffin,” Jordan said.

That certainly is high praise from Chinander, who is preparing for his second season as the Huskers defensive coordinator. One thing that can’t be debated, is that Nebraska football needs more impact players on defense and if Jordan ends up in Lincoln, he would fit the bill.

Obviously, he will have a way to go to prove he is on Griffin’s level, but his athleticism and versatility would be assets right away for the Blackshirts.

But there is a long way to go. Jordan will be visiting Utah and TCU before taking an official visit to Nebraska Jan. 25. Auburn is also in the mix for Jordan, who put the Tigers into this top five instead of Kansas.

However, Nebraska has to feel good about its chances. For one, it’s close to home and two, it can provide both the family atmosphere and academic success that Jordan is looking for in addition to the on-field opportunities.

“Some things that really matter to me are winning, playing time and a shot at the NFL,” Jordan said. “But things that matter even more to me are the culture, somewhere that feels like family and the (graduation) rate.”

Right now, the Huskers have momentum and when they are able to get Jordan to Lincoln, the culture created by head coach Scott Frost might be enough to convince him to join the Big Red.