Todman to UConn
Boston Globe two-time Division 1 football Player of the Year Jordan Todman of Dartmouth verbally committed to the University of Connecticut Sunday night.
"It feels good," said Todman, a running back who piled up 5,779 career yards to finish as the second all-time leading rusher in Massachusetts history.
"I never really got too stressed out about the process, but you're always sitting there wondering, 'What if I go to this school, or what if I go to that school?'"
The decision took Steve Cruz, Todman's legal guardian, by surprise.
"Jordan's decision kind of surprised me because a couple other schools -- Louisville and Oregon -- had asked for film recently," he said, "But I think Jordan really felt comfortable at UConn and he liked the idea of staying close to home. It really worked out well here."
Todman, who drew heavy interest from Purdue during the recruiting process, had taken a last-minute official visit to Boston College on Friday, but on the drive back to Dartmouth the next day, he expressed an interest in committing to UConn. On Sunday night, he phoned coach Randy Edsall to inform the Huskies of his intentions.
Here are details on Todman's career from his All-Scholastic bio:
The dynamic tailback led his team to the Division 1 Super Bowl this season with 1,970 yards rushing and 35 touchdowns, including three in the Division 1 final. Todman completed his career with 5,779 rushing yards, second all-time in the state.
Todman turned the Division 1 Super Bowl into his personal showcase, rushing for 199 yards and two touchdowns, and showed his versatility by catching a 52-yard touchdown pass to help the Indians take Everett to overtime before the Crimson Tide prevailed, 36-28, in a thrilling title game at Gillette Stadium.
According to Cruz, the performance led to schools like Louisville and Oregon expressing increased interest in the speedy back. But the more Todman considered his choices, the more he yearned to stay close to home.
UConn also expressed an interest in utilizing Todman as a running back at the next level, something that was unlikely to occur at a program like Boston College, who already has a commitment from Everett tailback Isaac Johnson. While Todman said every school recruited him as a running back, many believed he would be shifted to defensive back at the next level due to his lack of size (he's listed at 5-9, 185 pounds). But his blazing speed set him apart from most backs and it's something UConn told Todman they'd like to utilize as early as the 2008 season.
"I think we all thought Jordan could maybe use a red-shirt year, but coach Edsall told us that there's the possibility that he'd like Jordan to step right in and maybe return kicks right away," said Cruz. "They've got a guy now, Larry Taylor, who's a senior and I think they believe Jordan is a guy who can kind of come in and take over that role. Return kicks, play a little slot and maybe work his way into the running back position down the road."
Todman is excited to step right in and he already sounds like a Husky.
"We tied West Virginia for the Big East title this year, but next year we don't want to tie, we want it for ourselves," said Todman. "We're an up-and-coming program and we'll have 10-11 starters back next year. I'm excited to go in there and contribute any way I can."
Despite his college commitment, Todman isn't one to rest. A three-sport athlete throughout his high school career, he is playing basketball this winter. Cruz jokes that he's worried Todman will twist an ankle or hurt his knee, but Todman's insistent on enjoying every bit of his senior campaign.
"I've played since I was a freshman and I'm not one for quitting on my teammates," said Todman. "We're pretty much all football players on this team and we've got four of our five starters back this year, so we think we can be pretty good."
So is he playing cautious out there?
"Yeah, I've got to tape up my ankles and make sure I don't twist anything. But I'm just glad to be out there."
Click here to read our preseason feature on both Todman and Johnson, and view a video interview we conducted with Todman where he talked about his future goals.
LOL, "a bigger program like Boston College".
Maybe big brother should work on selling some bowl tickets. They're getting shown up by the puppies 3 to1.
UConn facilities > BC facilities
Big East >ACC
and next on the menu......
2008 UConn > BC
Sad (for BC) but true
Isn't UCONN still in the Yankee Conf?
BC is a better program right now. They have more tradition, had a really good season, that's not a crazy statement.
But it is crazy to assume a BC RB will be better simply because he's being recruited by BC. It doesn't work that way. UConn has more talented RBs than BC right now. Donald Brown and Andre Dixon are good players. So while BC is stronger overall, that doesn't mean Todman will have an easier time at RB at UConn. BCs RB this year would have ben 3rd string at UConn.
Boston/Chestnut Hill>Storrs, CT/Cows
The truth hurts...
UCONN always has a napoleon complex. How was that drubbing by that tough WVU team. BC is New England football and always will be NE football. BC reserves would start for UCONN.
Nice stadium UCONN, too bad it is behind a Home Depot in East Hartford
He didn't even get a scholarship offer from BC...that's why he "expressed interest" in UConn.
HATERS!!! You just can't be happy for the kid who is getting a chance to make something positive in his life. I don't care if its UCONN, Notre Dame or Upsala College. A college Education is just that! Congrats on your selection Mr. Todman from EHS. Nice job!
There's no way the UCONN RBs are better than BC's. The NFL draft will be proof positive when Andre Callendar gets drafted and none of the UCONN RB's do.
"The NFL draft will be proof positive when Andre Callendar gets drafted and none of the UCONN RB's do."
I think you mean the CFL draft champ.
I think UConn football has a LONG way to go before they start trying to compare themselves to BC. Based on the results, I'd say Holy Cross or Williams would put a good whipping on them.
Good for this kid though - he sounds like a good athlete and good guy.
"There's no way the UCONN RBs are better than BC's. The NFL draft will be proof positive when Andre Callendar gets drafted and none of the UCONN RB's do."
you're right there buddy because donald brown and andre dixon both are sophomores.
UConn does have a long way to go but being in their 5th full year in Division 1 and co-big east champs does say something. I take every victory as one step forward for them and I would love to see BC and Uconn get the rivalry back on. We are a completely different team with better players and better chemistry than 3 years ago. Got the cancers out of the locker room and now are playing great football.
Can't wait to go to Charlotte!
ok everyone just settle down. Uconn has made progress a lot quicker than anyone expected is becoming a solid program. They have a good sought-after coach who I am sure will get offers to leave from bigger schools soon. Talent wise, sorry Huskies, they just aren't there yet. Solid players just a step below BC. The Big East may have been equal to the ACC this year but over time thay are not. Louisville, West Virginia are solid top 20 programs but no one else is a consistent winner. Miami, VT FSU, are top 10 teams 90% of the time And for all those Andre Callender haters , remeber once he got into a "pro" offense and stopped splitting time, he was a very good back. He has future on Sundays in the fall
For those of you keeping score Florida State started out as an ALL GIRLS COLLEGE. You see where progress has gone. Besides this isn't about who is better UCONN-BC, NO it's about a kid getting a great opportunity to make something for himself. I again applaud Mr Todman and best of Luck!
None of the UConn backs are eligible for the draft and both Dixon and Brown will rate higher than anyone on BC roster right now.
I hope BC is enjoying their bowl game all 4,000 or so that will travel to Florida that is.
Robert Vaughn, Mathieu Olivier, Anthony Sherman, Nathan Sherr, Jonathan Jean-Louis, Mike Conroy, Dave Teggart, Isiah Moore, Matt Edwards, Jordan Todman.......
UCONN will have a lot of quality young Massachusetts talent on its roster.
I have to agree with Oldguy, congrats to the kid... and anyone on this board would have jumped with both feet had Uconn come knocking on the door. A free education, and tickets to Uconn basketball, good for him.
Judging from the comments here, it's obvious that Jordan didn't want to go to a school with a bunch of jerks.
Good luck to you Boston College.
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