Jordan Kelley isn’t just looking for a strong senior season at Rickards, he’s throwing down the gauntlet for Player of the Year honors in the Big Bend, and he’s doing it in style: sporting a brand-new jersey number 1. The rising senior quarterback told the Tallahassee Democrat that “Player of the Year, that’s definitely on the table,” and after his junior campaign, who’s gonna argue?
Kelley’s Dominant Junior Season Put Everyone on Notice
Remember that 2025 opener? Kelley stepped up in his *first career start* and immediately became a player to watch from Tallahassee’s southside. He led the Rickards Raiders on a RIDICULOUS 20-point comeback to beat longtime rivals Amos P. Godby High School, taking down the Jamarin Simmons-led Cougars 41-34. Kelley was on fire that day, completing 16 of 20 passes for 201 yards, rushing for 135 yards, and snagging four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing), all with just one interception.
He kept that fire going all season, too. Kelley wrapped up his junior year completing a solid 60% of his pass attempts for 1,596 yards. Don’t sleep on his legs either, he added an extra 486 rushing yards! This dual-threat machine piled up 17 touchdowns (10 passing, seven rushing) against seven interceptions. The Tallahassee Democrat clearly wasn’t sleeping on his talent, voting him to the All-Big Bend First Team as an athlete after the 2025 season. This dude lives for being #1.
Offseason Grind and Cam Newton Inspiration Fueling the Fire
That #1 isn’t just a random pick, by the way. Kelley switched from No. 13 to No. 1, drawing inspiration directly from NFL MVP and Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, who rocked No. 1 during his professional career with the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots. Kelley is a huge Panthers fan, and he didn’t mince words, explaining, “I’ve always looked up to Cam Newton ― he’s the reason why I really play quarterback and play football. I’m a big Panthers fan, so it just kind of fit.” Carlos Rolle, now a freshman linebacker at Alabama State University, last wore the jersey for Rickards.
It’s not just about the threads though. Kelley’s been putting in serious work this offseason, grinding on his accuracy, footwork, and ability to read defenses. Speed Capital 850 has been making him even faster at evading those defenses. His head coach and uncle, Quintin Lewis, is right there with him, going over film and playbook reviews. Lewis said of his development, “He’s starting to mature a little bit more in the game of football and understands what we are trying to get him to do. This summer’s been great for him.” Kelley hit 7-on-7 camps in June at Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, and Florida International, facing teams from across Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. He said those camps are “really helping with my ball placement. Everybody doesn’t have the same speed and mechanics, so it’s really just about being precise, so I look good, and our receivers look good.” And speaking of receivers, he’s got weapons with Davion Crumitie (a four-star Vanderbilt commit), Aaron Johnson II, and Donterrious Figgers, who both hold Division I offers.
So, the stage is set. Jordan Kelley, rockin’ the #1, chasing that Player of the Year title. With his work ethic, his talent, and a stacked receiving corps, you know he’s gonna be bringing the heat every single snap this fall. Get ready, Big Bend, because #1 is coming for that top spot!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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