Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player to ever step on the hardwood. He’s also one of the best high school football players in the state of Michigan.
The Plymouth (Canton, Mich.) offensive tackle received his jersey for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Tuesday as part of the Selection Tour presented by American Family Insurance.
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“It feels amazing,” Jordan told USA TODAY High School Sports. “It’s truly an honor to have the Army offer me to play in the All-American Bowl.”
The 6-6, 285-pound OT said people are always asking if he can shoot or handle the ball like his famous name-sharing companion, even though he doesn’t even play basketball. In the winter, he wrestles and in the spring he throws shot put and discus for the track team.
But most importantly, he plays football, and he plays it well, saying his favorite part of the game is “pancaking” opposing players.
“I wanted to come out and play with the nation’s best, and prove that I’m actually good,” said Jordan, though judging by his recruitment, he’s proved that already.
The Ohio State commit says he’s looking forward to playing against future Buckeye teammate Jonathon Cooper, who will be on the East team, while Jordan suits up for the West.
RELATED: Army All-American Jonathon Cooper ready to star for hometown Buckeyes
After attending high school in Michigan, Jordan wanted to return to his home state to play college football for Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes, praising the coaching and saying the team “really feels like a brotherhood.” Jordan is originally from Cincinnati.
Michigan’s No. 4 player will early enroll at Ohio State, giving him a chance to get acclimated with the college lifestyle.
“It’ll give me a chance to get used to the work and schedule,” said Jordan, who prides himself on his work ethic.
Jordan said his selection as an Army All-American proved his hard work is starting to pay off. The Army Bowl is Jan. 9 in San Antonio
When asked what separates him from other players on the field, Jordan bluntly responded with, “I’m gonna work harder than you,” citing his father as his driving force and biggest motivation.
“(My father) is a hard worker, and he instilled those same values in my life.”
Despite all the accolades and national rankings, Jordan knows that in the end, it doesn’t really matter.
“I don’t think those (rankings) stars mean that much,” said Jordan. “When you get to college, you don’t have any stars or anything, and you have to start over and prove yourself at that next level.”