EXCLUSIVE: Jordan Zumwalt on Signing Day
Huntington Beach Edison MLB Jordan Zumwalt - profile here - opened up about not only committing to UCLA, but spurning Stanford. Zumwalt should compete for playing time immediately, but is primarily concerned with his speed.
Interview after the jump...
How does it feel to finally seal the deal, and why UCLA?
"Very big relief. It was close to home and for some reason I had a gut feeling. I don't know - I like UCLA, man. Simple as that."
How was signing day, seeing everyone else join the fun?
"It was very very exciting. All of them - I'm very excited to line up next to all of them. I'm just stoked to play for UCLA to be honest."
How hard is it knowing that for excited as UCLA fans are, Stanford fans are as heartbroken?
"I feel for them. Unfortunately, you can't go off your emotional decision. It's a business deal. I weighed the odds, UCLA came out on top. Of course I was attached to Stanford. I talked to their coaches every single week for 52 weeks. I loved them all. They're all awesome. But it's not an emotional decision."
When did you first have that gut feeling?
"For a while, I started going back and forth. When I would say I was going to Stanford, it just didn't click in my head. I'd say yeah, but it was like a 'Yeeeeeaaaaa.' I didn't want to say it. I just didn't feel comfortable saying it."
How much a concern was early playing time, and what do you feel you need to do to earn it?
"I would like to pla early. But like everybody else, I have to show up and blow up. I have to show what I got. I am going to work very hard this offseason. I want to be very fast. I believe I'm decently fast, but I'm trying to get down to a 4.4 before summer camp comes around."
UCLA loses its starting middle linebacker and emotional leader, Reggie Carter. Can you fill the shoes?
"The spot is up for grabs. They said come in and battle for it. Not that they want me to replace him, but that they want me to come in and battle."
Rick Neuheisel referred to your Friday night post-game gatherings as the Zumwalt Zoo. Talk about the leadership skills you have, and especially combined with Dietrich Riley, Cassius Marsh and the rest of the class.
"It's important to have that kind of leadership and bond. It definitely can't hurt us. Whether it takes us to the championship or not, it is a definite benefit."
"Show up and blow up."
LOVE that attitude.
Jon, Nice get. Great Job today! Go get your self a drink brother.
4.4 from a 4.7 40... that's quite a lofty goal he's got there. wonder if he was sandbagging his previous time. lol. having run track in the past that is almost impossible to improve that drastically but i do love the enthusiasm and determination. great addition to the ucla family. go bruins!
I'm sure this is a stupid question but...are Malcolm Jones & Jordon James really out of the box better than:
Milton Knox
Johnathan Franklin
Derrick Coleman
Christian Ramirez
Damien Thigpen
I wonder if they know that..?
Jones and James are ABSOLUTELY better than all of those backs
and we are "stoked" to watch YOU play!
They're better than Ramirez. I dont know about the rest. The vets are very talented as well and bring different dimensions. Thigpen is still the fastest. Coleman has a ridiculous body to bang inside. Knox is a savvy and jittery runner. And Franklin is a good blend of everything.
Actually.. I wouldn't say that Jones and James are better then them yet.. They appear to have more physical potential.. However.. Wait until the players get on the field before we decide.. There has been PLENTY of busts in College.. Let alone at UCLA.. Durrell Price.. BUST!! Many White, A LOT less productive then people thought he was going to be.. So it really just depends on the effort that they all put in to improve. And Milton Knox is the best kept secret in the Pac-10. I have NO idea why he doesn't play more. That kid makes PLAYS! He is a strong runner and could juke anyone out.