Goalkeeper Jordan Watkins to join Capers

Goalkeeper Jordan Watkins to join Capers

Morley says incoming freshman has 'tremendous potential'

By Corey LeBlanc

With Ontario in the midst of another lockdown due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Jordan Watkins has returned to familiar territory, as he continues to prepare for his freshman season with the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers men's soccer program.

"I am still working hard – trying to keep in shape – but it makes it more difficult," the 17-year-old says of being limited to backyard training sessions for the foreseeable future.

Just like he did growing up in Georgetown – which is located near Brampton – he is often kicking around the ball with his father, Craig.

Those moments as a youngster sparked his passion not only for the game but also where he plays on the pitch.

"I have always been a keeper," Watkins says of following in his father's footsteps.

He remembers the coaches of his first team noticing that he "knew some technique," which – coupled with his size and athleticism – made him a perfect fit for the position. And, as the cliché goes – more or less – the rest is history.

By the time he was a teenager – 13 years old or so – Watkins remembers ramping up his training and playing opportunities.

"I started to think that I could go somewhere with this [sport]," the Milton Youth Soccer Club product recalls.

When asked about the strengths of his game, Watkins says he is a "naturally inclined" shot-stopper.

He also describes himself as a "fairly good communicator" on the field, an attribute Watkins adds he continues to develop – both on and off the pitch.

"It strengthens relationships on the field," he offers, noting building trust with his teammates leads to stronger performances.

Before the most recent pandemic precautions interrupted his preparations for donning Caper orange, Watkins had been working extensively with well-known keeper coach Rob Stillo. He says those sessions were "heavily focused" on remaining "clean and composed," while playing his position and making saves, as opposed to "flailing." It is all about body control and technique.

"I am improving," he notes of his ongoing focus on footwork, noting the ability to get the ball to teammates – as a keeper – is more and more essential in today's game.

When it came to selecting CBU, the student-athlete describes it as a "big, big decision," while noting the process focused more on academics than athletics.

"I looked at a lot of schools," Watkins adds.

Watkins notes there was a "bit of a connection" with the Capers through his club coach Andrew Seuradge, who has deep ties with former CBU standout Isaiah Johnston.

From that came conversations with not only Caper head coach Deano Morley, but also members of CBU's engineering faculty; all of them impressed him. The university's commitment to being "student-oriented" also caught his attention. Assistant coach Brian Tierney had the all important academic conversations and guided Watkins to make his academic decisions. 

"Jordan has been exceedingly impressive," Morley says, when asked about their talks during – and since – the recruiting process.

He adds that Watkins knows what he wants – both academically and athletically.

"We are very, very excited – Jordan has tremendous potential," Morley says of his latest recruit.

Describing him as a "great shot-stopper," the veteran mentor adds Watkins is "very good at managing his box."

Morley notes he has qualities that are required to excel as a Caper, including "hunger, appetite, desire, and potential."

"Jordan has many of the things [Caper goalkeeper coach] Vernon [O'Quinn] is looking for in a young keeper," he says.

Watkins, whose love for math and science has him leaning towards a career in mechanical engineering, is excited about coming to Cape Breton in the late summer for his first varsity training camp.

"I have never been there," he says of his soon-to-be post-secondary home.

Watkins adds – in conversations he has had with people about Cape Breton – he has heard "nothing but great things," including the "warmth and friendliness" he should expect to experience.

"I can't wait to get there – I know it is going to be great," he says.

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