AHOSKIE – D’Isaac Jordan wants to be on the football field.

The Hertford County High School graduate knows he can make a contribution at the next level and thanks to the faith of Elizabeth City State University coaches, he’ll get that chance.

Last week Jordan inked a pact with ECSU that will take the standout defensive linemen to Elizabeth City next fall where he will help on the defensive line.

“I felt like Elizabeth City State was a good fit for me in football and in the school community,” Jordan said. “I feel like I can help the football team.”

Jordan, a Second Team selection on the All-Roanoke-Chowan Team, said he will get the opportunity to compete for playing time early.

“In talking to the coach, he feels like I could play my first year,” Jordan said.

HCHS Head Football Coach Scott Privott said Jordan certainly would have an impact on the Vikings’ program.

“His athleticism will be a tremendous asset,” Privott said. “For a defensive lineman, he can run. He runs well. I think they’re getting a steal.”

Privott said Jordan was a consummate defensive lineman with a nose for the football.

“He is very intense,” the coach insisted. “He is always around the football. He probably led us in defensive touchdowns in the last two seasons. He always seemed to find the ball.”

That was a statistic that meant a lot to Jordan.

“Scoring touchdowns on the defensive side of the ball was one of my best memories here,” he said. “I’ll never forget that.”

Jordan considered Virginia State, Fayetteville State and North Carolina A&T before signing with ECSU. He said in the end, Elizabeth City made a lot of sense for him and his family.

“I feel great – it’s close to home,” Jordan said. “My mother can get back and forth and she can get to the games. It always feels good to see her in the stands.”

The HCHS standout said he would often remember the things he learned while playing for the Bears.

“I think I’ve learned to get along with coaches and teammates,” he said. “I think I will go to Elizabeth City with the ability to be coachable – to learn and to listen.”

Privott said Jordan had been a very coachable player in his years at Hertford County and that he felt like Elizabeth City State was lucky to get such a quality player.

“For them to get a good young man who is qualified at this time of the year, I really think they got a steal,” Privott said. “Some people missed out on a good player.”