Ballard's Jordan Gunter is putting up big numbers this year for the Bruins

Jordan Gunter is a quiet kid, far removed from the stereotypes of modern wide receivers in today's era. The first time I saw the young man play was against defending Kentucky state champion Male, where he turned in an impressive seven-catch 131-yard two-touchdown performance.

I was attending that game with his former coach at Ballard, Mike Jackson, who stepped down after last season to spend time coaching his son who is in 8th grade. Once the contest was wrapped up, Jackson and I went out on the field and he spoke to some of his former players and coaches. When he ran into Jordan he had some advice for his former wide receiver.

"This is the performance you put on your recruiting videos," advised Jackson.

"Yes sir," responded Gunter.

Jackson then introduced me to Gunter and the young man looked me in my eye and shook my hand firmly.

"Nice to meet you sir," Gunter said to me respectfully.

Then he turned to his former coach and told him, "Coach I have to catch the bus, good to see you," before heading down the path to where his teammates were boarding their busses home after suffering a 31-13 defeat to rival Male, in a game where they had some chances, but two big turnovers ultimately sealed their fate.

I asked his former coach what it was like to coach Gunter and he had a lot to say.

"He's perhaps the most coachable kid I've coached. Never says anything on the practice field expect yes-sir," Jackson offered.

That's very high praise coming from Jackson, who coached former Louisville star wide receiver and Miami Dolphin Devante Parker when he was at Ballard.

Gunter has been very productive so far this season hauling in (unofficially) 41 catches for 810 yards and 8 touchdowns this year. Despite his production so far this year, he doesn't have any offers from the next level.

"I don't have offers from anyone yet, Centre college has had the most contact with me and I will be going to a game visit for EKU tomorrow. I have had some contact with Kalamazoo college for football as well as Eastern Michigan and Mount Union but not as much (as Centre and EKU)," offered Gunter.

I asked his former coach why he hasn't gotten many offers and he gave the following take on Gunter's recruitment.

"He could eventually make it as a MAC receiver but since he didn't go to multiple summer camps, because he is a potential all-state baseball player and he's playing during the camps, he wasn't exposed enough for summer offers at that level. I'm about as sure about him being a can't-miss FCS starter as any player of his level that I have coached," opined coach Jackson.

Gunter is a fine baseball player for Ballard as well, he's a self-descried curveball pitcher who tops out at around 83-85 MPH. While he has had interest from Ball State and California State San Bernardito, he doesn't currently hold any baseball offers.

While he throws a wicked curve, coach Jackson gave me a nuanced description of his prowess as a wide receiver.

"I would describe him as a savvy route-runner who always catches the ball with his hands, never lets it get into his pads. He tends to get wide open due to his route running, which creates space between him and his defender, allowing him to throw a move or a stiff arm and pick up major yards after the catch."

Ballard had a bye this weekend and will take on District foe Jeffersontown this coming Friday before doing battle with nationally ranked powerhouse and currently undefeated district leader Trinity Shamrocks the following Friday. A big performance against Trinity could be the key to unlock some college offers.