Tennessee EDGE rusher signee Jordan Ross certainly has some spring to his step, which will prove to be beneficial on the football field down the road.
In the meantime, though, Ross looks to be dunking on anyone and everyone who comes across his high school basketball team.
Ross, a five-star prospect in the class of 2024 and the No. 1 EDGE rusher in the country according to 247 Sports, is a blue-chip player that Tennessee officially signed on Dec. 20. The 6-foot-4.5, 233-pound prospect is a Top 10 player in the class according to 247.
Ross opted to not be an early enrollee with the Vols’ program and is playing with the Vestavia Hills High School basketball team for his senior season. Vestavia Hills is 19-5 on the season with only two games remaining on the schedule.
On3 Sports Director of Scouting Charles Power re-posted a video to social media on Monday showing some of the jaw-dropping highlights (dunks, in particular) from Ross during the basketball season. Ross’ pure athleticism and strength are easily shown off as he finds the hoop during half-court offensive sets and throws down some powerhouse dunks in transition.
Between outstanding showings at national all-star games, new @On3Recruits 5-star Jordan Ross has been showing his athleticism on the basketball court. The Tennessee EDGE signee is a dynamic, bouncy athlete https://t.co/IB2qLjzhR8pic.twitter.com/IZnfQ4dQ70
— Charles Power (@CharlesPower) January 29, 2024
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There has been a long connection between dual-sport athletes in high school and success at the collegiate level. Obviously, it’s not a guarantee or a requirement of success, but there are several examples that show how learning different traits in other sports – spacing and defense in basketball, strength and coordination in field activities, etc. – can be beneficial to a raw athlete in their first steps at the next level.
Ross’ athleticism on the basketball court in the video, combined with what 247 recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna wrote about Ross last week, shows just how much he is bringing onto the gridiron when he arrives on Rocky Top.
“Displays an explosive first step off the line of scrimmage and flashes elite initial foot and body quickness at the point of attack,” Petagna wrote. “Fluid athlete with exceptional play speed and agility. Shows the ability to bend the edge and possesses good burst-to-close ability. Demonstrates excellent lateral change of direction ability and exhibits the ability to play in space both on the line of scrimmage and lined up as an off-ball linebacker.”
Jordan Ross, a native of Birmingham, AL, is sure to be one of the Vols’ most intriguing players over the next few years.
