Waking up at 5 in the morning and working out twice every day has paid off for senior Jared Jordan, who recently committed to Siena Heights University in Adrian.

Football has been a part of Jordan’s life for over a decade. He grew up watching his older brother play, and jumped at it when he got the chance to play the game himself.

“When I was little, whenever (my brother) would go sign up for football and little league I would cry because I wasn’t old enough to play yet. And once I got my chance I just fell in love with the sport,” Jordan said. “He’s about seven years older than me, so watching him play little league and all his games made me want to play.”

Three weeks after giving a verbal commitment, Jordan signed his Letter of Intent on Feb. 2, confirming that he would play for Siena Heights next year. He signed his letter in front of friends, family, staff members and coaches from both North and Sienna Heights.

He said Siena Heights was his first choice of schools because of the football program’s welcoming atmosphere and staff.

“I loved the way the coaches made me feel welcome at the university, and I just loved the campus,” Jordan said. “I have that gut feeling that it’s the right place for me and the right fit.”

Playing football in college and professionally was always one of Jordan’s goals, and the path he took to get where he is today wasn’t easy, he said.

“(Playing in college) was always the dream, the goal. My dad always told me that if I worked hard on my craft every day that I would get to those goals,” he said. “It’s been a lot of work. People don’t know how hard it is … it’s tough.”

Jordan played as a tailback and running back for North’s Varsity football team in 2014, 2015, and 2016. This past season, he broke the school record for most yards rushed in a single game by 21 yards.

Jordan’s inspiration doesn’t stem from watching professional football players. Instead, it comes from growing up with the sport and the shared love of it he has with his family.

“Most of my motivation just comes from seeing my mom and dad work, and I just don’t want to see them having to work,” Jordan said. “I want to make it to the league so they won’t have to work, so I can repay them for everything they did for me.”