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SPORTS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | OCTOBER 9, 2022
TheMesaTribune.com @EVTNow /EVTNow
Jordan Legg went from kicker to quarterback for Dobson playing quarterback a week before his first game, they, “freaked out.” However, he said his parents have loved seeing t’s not common to hear about a 4.5- him play quarterback since then, and star kicker who is also the starting they could tell how much it has benefitquarterback, but that’s just normal ted him throughout high school. football for Jordan Legg. “Playing quarterback is a mentally Jordan Legg is the quarterback and tough position. Being the kicker, you kicker for Dobson High School’s varsity have to be mentally tough because football team. He started playing football you’re put out there on an island to kick, his freshman year of high school and had and if you miss it everybody blames no anticipation of playing quarterback. you for the game,” Dobson head football Legg played soccer growing up, which coach Bill Godsil said. influenced his position as a kicker conGodsil went on to say Legg has a strong sidering he already had helpful skills for character and will, which makes him fit the position. He spontaneously landed to play both of those positions. the quarterback position about two Learning how to play quarterback was hours into the first freshman practice. tricky in the short amount of time Legg “The sophomore quarterback at the had, but he was able to grasp it with the time pulled me aside and was like, ‘You help of everyone around him. He had can throw the ball?’ and I was like, ‘I to get used to the pressure and be able guess I can,’ so I got put in,” Legg said. to trust everyone. He told himself that Legg mentioned that it took a lot to he was going to be fine and that he just convince his parents to let him just play needed to get the ball to his receivers. kicker, so when he told them that he was “It’s been a process and it’s been a lot to learn, but I’ve had great, great, mentors to get me through that, and I’ve had great teammates to help pick me up when I’m not doing the best,” Legg said. According to Legg, he has fun playing both positions. It’s exciting for him to be able to help his team excel in games when making plays whether he is throwing or kicking the ball. That’s also how he stays focused, by having fun. He doesn’t put too much pressure on himself because it might throw him off. Logistically, offensive Dobson quarterback Jordan Legg has become the catalyst for the Mustang football program. Not only is he the leader on of- coordinator and receivers fense, but he also leads the special teams as one of the top coach Kelly Stout said that kickers in the state. (Dave Minton/Tribune Staff) to keep Legg focused, they BY REBECCA DALY Tribune Contributing Writer
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try to challenge him during the week with stressful situational drills for both offense and kicking. The coaches constantly remind him of the little things that need improvement like footwork, shoulder settings, and drops. “We do kind of a stressful conditioning type PAT/ field goal, where if he misses it, he and his PAT group have to sprint 100 yards and come back,” Godsil said. “If he makes it, the sideline, whose chanting and yelling and hollering and saying wonderful things about him, they have to sprint and come back. So, he’s getting the crowd atmosphere, people yelling, and the pressure that he’s gotta make those kicks.” This game-like feel helps Legg’s transition from kicker to quarterback occurred during Legg focus on the moment his freshman season. He was pulled aside by the sophomore quarterback, who asked if he could throw. Legg’s answer itself rather than just making wasn’t confident, yet four years later he is now a two-year the kick. starter at the position. (Rebecca Daly/Tribune Contributor) Legg attended the Kohl’s having any opportunity to play football Western Winter Showcase Camp in 2021, being only in his second in college is enough for him. “My parents always joke that whenyear as a kicker, where he didn’t perform as well as he would’ve liked to. This past ever I’m trying to get into a school I can May, Legg competed at the Kohl’s West- be like, ‘I can do trick plays for you as a ern Showcase, where they ranked him kicker because I can throw the rock,’” 4.5 stars. He made eight points during Legg said. So far, Legg has received an offer from the field goal charting and had multiple kickoffs over 65 yards. According to the Papago Pumas Junior College footkohlskicking.com, he has what it takes ball program. Legg has been a huge asset to Dobto play as a kicker at the college level. Playing college football is some- son’s football team, playing two vital pothing Legg wants to pursue. In regard to sitions. Not only that but being the leadwhich position he wants to play, kicking er of the team as the quarterback, he has is the more prominent skill. Godsil be- a huge influence on everyone involved in lieves that he could play both quarter- the program. back and kicker in college, but kicking is “He is our glue. He’s the stick that stirs his primary tool for the next level. the whole thing. He’s the kid that is a Legg said he would love to play kicker, vocal leader, but he does it in the right but if the quarterback position is offered, way, so the other players following him that would be amazing as well. Overall, is natural,” Stout said.