Over The Pylon

Each year we at OTP attempt to reach out to the incoming Cardinals to try and pull back the curtain a bit on the future of this program. Last season, we were fortunate to touch base with the likes of Connor Ryan, Zane Fakes, Kitt O’Brien, Jason Pinkston, Ethan Buckles, and Eric Williams, and this season, it begins again anew with the current group of recruits chomping at the bit to get into Cardinal and White.

Today’s guest in the OTP interview spotlight is Jordan Hansel. Hansel comes to the Cardinals from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, where as an offensive lineman he guided Simon Kenton High School to the round of 8 in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s 6A state tournament. Dave Berk, Scout.com’s midwest recruiting analyst said of Hansel, “This is a solid pickup for Ball State as Hansel plays hard and with toughness. He does a good job of using his feet and hands and has the ability to reach second tier defenders to help make for bigger plays.”

A two-star Rivals and Scout prospect, the 6’4″ 290-lb. Hansel chose the Cardinals over the likes of Louisville, Cincinnati, and Kentucky, and offers from FCS powers like Appalachian State.

OverThePylon: Can you sort of recap your experience getting recruited to play Division 1 college football and which BSU coaches were your chief recruiters? What were some of the schools that showed major interest? What were the schools you considered heading to?
JordanHansel: The recruiting process was crazy. I had schools such as UK, UC, Vanderbilt, Louisville, Murray State, Appalachian State, and a lot more. My only actual offers came from Ball State, Murray State, Louisville, and App. State. I really liked the idea of staying in KY with Louisville, but Ball State just had so much more to offer.
(Ed. Note: This is like manna from anti-Louisville heaven. Yahtzee. Jordan Hansel just became my new favorite BSU footballer.)

OTP: Everyone knows last season was a challenging one for the Cardinals. How does that motivate you going forward for success on the gridiron?
JH: I can not WAIT to be a part of the Cardinals growing process, I think it will be an awesome experience.

OTP: The offensive line is perhaps the most important, yet unappreciated positions on the field. What would you say are your best attributes as an offensive lineman?
JH: I think I have pretty good footwork for a big guy. My specialty last year was pulling. I loved getting to the hole before our running backs (especially on the opposite side of our line) and knockin’ the crap out of someone who was in the way.

OTP: As a Louisville native myself, I can appreciate this more than probably any other… but your high school, Simon Kenton, made quite the run in the Kentucky high school 6A championship. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, they gave eventual state champion St. X their closest game in the playoffs. How does that sort of success and execution at the high school level prepare you for D1?
JH: I think playing with such skilled players as St. X had helps tremendously. They were a great team and I enjoyed the competition, even though we came up just a little short

OTP: Are you looking to stay at the guard role? Potentially any movement to other positions for you?
JH: I actually played left tackle all through my career so far. I am looking forward to the switch to guard.

OTP: This incoming class is another in a long line of solid recruiting classes for the Cards. What are your thoughts about class chemistry? Have you been able to connect with many of your fellow future Cardinals?
JH: I hung out with a few of them on my official visit and they are all great guys. The recruiting staff at Ball State is doing an incredible job and I don’t expect that to change anytime soon.

OTP: What things are you considering majoring in at Ball State? Looking forward to the academic side of the house?
JH: I am going to major in communications. I believe that I have very good speech and social skills. So I figured if I can speak pretty well, I might as well do it for a living.

OTP: Most of our readers know quite a bit about your football prowess on the field. Any hobbies or talents off the field that would surprise some folks?
JH: Actually I am pretty good at basketball. People get shocked when they see me play. The most common comment I get would probably be “Dang big boy! I didn’t expect you to move like that!!” And if I’m not playing basketball, I love being in the water. Swimming is a big hobby of mine.

OTP: Anything to say to the Cardinals fans who will have the privilege of watching you over the next few years?
JH: Just that I hope they will be there supporting us. I know that we will all be working hard for them!!

Kudos and thanks to Jordan for sitting down with the OTP crew. Personally, and I don’t want to speak for everyone here, but when an offensive lineman loves to pull and knock the stuffing out of people, that bodes well. Very well.

Other 2010 Recruit Interviews: QB: Keith Wenning | S: Aaron Morris | TE: David Schneider

Filed under: Ball State, Recruiting |