Jordan Triplett, Frederica Academy running back
Today’s interviewee is Frederica Academy running back Jordan Triplett, who broke the state record for career rushing yards last week in his final game, a 56-30 loss to Valwood in the GIAA Class 3A semifinals. A four-year starter, Triplett finished with 9,028 rushing yards, besting the 8,844 of Commerce’s Monte Williams established in 1997-2000. Triplett rushed for 3,172 yards in 12 games this season, tying the single-season mark of Washington-Wilkes’ Daccus Turman set in 2000. Frederica Academy is a school in St. Simons with about 450 students K-12. Triplett (5-11, 205) is committed to Air Force.
1. How do you feel about setting the record? Did you know how close you were? “At the beginning of the season, me and my family began tracking it and didn’t think it was a real possibility. We knew I needed 3,000 to get close, and I had never had more than about 2,300. It shows how much our offensive line has improved. Last year we had young tackles and a new guard and center. They’ve put in the work and gotten stronger in the weight room, and they’ve been getting in there and making holes for the runners. And it’s not just the linemen but the H-backs and receivers downfield who have been blocking for me. We’ve put up 900 more yards than last year. That shows how hard they’ve worked to get better.”
2. What has been the reaction to setting the record? Who have you heard from? “I’ve had lot of coaches reach out since this happened, a lot of news outlets, and done a good bit of interviews. Honestly I didn’t expect this. It was never my main goal. My goal was to win a state championship, and at the end of the day we didn’t get that. But it was a fun way to cap off my senior year and career.”
As a follow-up, Triplett was asked more about the college coaches: “The coaches I’ve been talking to are Florida, South Carolina and UCF. Those are the ones that have been really impressed by the record. I know my situation at South Carolina is fluid, so whatever happens is up to God and what the other guy decides. [Triplett might get an offer depending on how commitments play out.] But I’m committed to Air Force. They’re building something special there. They are 8-4, and that’s a down year for them. They’ve got a chance to win the Mountain West every year. I’ll keep my options open. South Carolina gave me a preferred walk-on opportunity. Financially, I don’t think that’s a possibility. I’m beyond happy and blessed with my situation at Air Force.”
3. You had five games of 40 or more carries and three of 50 plus. What’s that workload like? “The amount of carries this year [439 in 12 games] has definitely been an experience. In the past I’ve had only 250-300. Coach Derrick [head coach Brandon Derrick] has done a great job preparing us. He has us in the weight room five times a week, and we power clean and squat at least four of those. He’s really building our lower body and preparing us to do football movements so we’re ready for Friday nights. His training plan has been exceptional to prepare me for this type of load. Our trainer [athletic trainer Adam Norman] also does a great job of keeping me healthy. I remember my sophomore year I was bruised up on those Saturday mornings, and he made a stretching and recovery plan for me. And it’s not just me. The offensive line has to run block 40-50 times a game.”
4. What’s football like at Frederica and in the GIAA? “Our league might not get lot of recognition because it’s a private league, but I think without a doubt we’re playing some good competition. For the past three years we’ve played teams like Calvary Day and Savannah Christian. Both have Division I athletes across the board. We almost beat Calvary my freshman year. I think we can play with a lot of them. We put in a lot of hours. I don’t know if any team is as conditioned as we are in our league. We’re a physical team. We’re going to play until the whistle, and when the play stops, we’re going to keep running and pick up our guys. We’re a hard-working group. Our culture is about effort and determination.” [Frederica lost comfortably to its only GHSA opponent, Clinch County, this season, but Triplett rushed for 177 yards. He ran for 121 against John Milledge Academy, which is regarded as the GIAA’s best team.]
