Jordan Pendleton

Senior, FOOTBALL, St. Thomas

STATS

Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Major: Entrepreneurship & Exercise Science
Instagram: 8.7K followers - @jordann.xvii
INTERVIEW

Proudest Athletic Achievement ?

  Being recruited to the University of St. Thomas where I’ve been blessed enough to be apart of.

How and when did you get started in your current collegiate sport?

I got started when I was around 6 years old playing flag football in a small league in Memphis. From there I went up to playing Pee Wee in that same league and the rest is history.

What other sports did you play growing up? Anything memorable about playing many sports?

I decided to run track in my last 2 years of high school because I really enjoyed running for the coach that trained me the summer before, Jody Sneed. I was able to compete at a high level running the 400 yard dash and being ranked 1st in the district and achieving all-metro recognition.

What was the biggest challenge you faced on your way to becoming a collegiate athlete?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced is being able to block out the outside noise and not letting it affect anything that I have control or power over. I didn’t have any offers in high school until the summer going into my Senior year and I had people all around me telling me I’d never be able to go D1. Really only had a handful of people around me that actually believed in how far I could go so will forever be grateful for having them in my life.

Can you share a breakthrough moment in your early career that shaped your path to today?

  A breakthrough moment in my career was actually at an off season All-American game going into my senior year. I was going for wide receiver but we had to play both ways so I just decided to play safety just for fun. During the game I realized that defense really what I should’ve been doing all along. Finished that game as defensive MVP.

How do you maintain your fitness level in the off-season?

Over the off season I maintain my fitness level my consistent speed/weight training along with well planned nutrition goals.

How do you go about your mental preparation before competing?

Mental preparation is something that I didn’t always find helpful and realizing that it was something I needed to start was a game changer. Having a clear mind before competition allows for fast feet and a straight train of thought. I prepare by prayer and breathing techniques that allow me to be grounded and present in the moment.

What has been your most difficult moment while being a student athlete?

The most difficult moment while being a student athlete for me is definitely being separated from my family and friends back home. Minnesota is a long way from Tennessee. I’m blessed to be able to see my family at most of my games but it’s not too often that I get to return back home during the season so that’s the hardest part.

What’s your major and what do you want to do with it post graduation?

My major is Entrepreneurship with a minor in exercise science. What I would love to do post graduation is be able to open my own training facility that emphasizes education for athletes of every background on a number of different things from academics to the recruiting process to even nutrition literacy. Things that a lot of kids don’t have access to that would enhance their lives.

Do you see yourself as a role-model and if so, how do you approach that role?

I do see myself as a role-model because I can relate to a lot of the kids that have had no offers or no one to believe in them. I can understand how it feels to be counted out before you could even prove yourself and my journey has just begun and I can’t wait to see how far we can take it.

What advice would you give to someone who aspires to be an NCAA student athlete?

Block out all the outside noise and distractions, focus on yourself and where you need to be. Focus on God’s plan for you and stay disciplined.

Your motto for life?

Keep your head down and keep stacking work on top of work.

What is your biggest success?

My biggest success is being a Division 1 athlete.

Favorite places/destinations?

I love Memphis, my home. But I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to Africa twice on mission trips and have absolutely loved it. I’ve been to Togo and Kenya.

Who do you look up to and why?

I look up to my parents so much. Because they’ve been through so much over their life just to give me and my brother the best chances and opportunities to succeed and have made unbelievable sacrifices for us. They’ve instilled me with my never quit never give up mentality and continue to teach me each and every day.

Current passions outside of sports?

I’m very passionate about health and wellness

What’s your next big goal to achieve?

The next big goal to achieve is to have an incredible season alongside my teammates.

What’s something no one really knows about you?

I used to play Violin. Was I good? Up for debate.

What has been your favorite NIL partnership? 

I’ve loved all my NIL partnerships but I’d have to say Vuori was my favorite.

Why should other student athletes join 98Strong?

They don’t just care about giving offers to the people with the highest follower count or most likes, they actually care about helping athletes build their personal brand and get offers to you no matter your status.

What has been most rewarding for you in being a part of 98Strong? 

Definitely being able to be apart of the Elite98 and flying out to LA to meet the other athletes for the photo and commercial shoot. That was so much fun and will never forget what an amazing opportunity that was.