Georgia DB Jordan Buchanan commits to Purdue one day after offer

Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett High School safety Jordan Buchanan was offered by Purdue on Wednesday.

By Thursday night the 6-foot-1, 175-pound safety was a Boilermaker. Jordan chose Purdue over offers from LSU, Kentucky and Pittsburgh.

College football is in Jordan’s blood. His two older brothers both played at the collegiate level.

Jordan’s father, Ray Buchanan, helped the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl XXXIII appearance in 1999.

100%COMMITTED🚂🚂 pic.twitter.com/YwCMKkNmvo

— Jordan Buchanan (@J_buchanan4) August 27, 2021

Family connections abundant at Purdue for Jordan Buchanan

It was a family connection that helped seal the deal at Purdue. The Buchanans have family in the Midwest. Ray and Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm both played for Louisville in college. Purdue’s defensive backs coach Ron English coached Jordan’s uncle Richard Buchanan at Louisville.

In addition to the family ties, Jordan felt the Boilermakers provided a chance at growth on the field and off.

“I feel like it’s a good opportunity for me to be able to develop my skills and get better at the craft,” Buchanon said. “I feel like I’ll be able to get good playing time and be able to get up to the next level.”

Buchanon hasn’t been on the West Lafayette campus yet. He and his family took a virtual tour with the aid of the Purdue coaching staff.

Buchanon plans on taking a visit this fall to see the campus in person and take in a game.

Leaning on family during recruitment amid a pandemic

Jordan is the youngest brother in the family. He also has two sisters. Jordan’s older brothers set an example for how to handle the recruiting process differently.

The elder of the Buchanan men committed to Arkansas and played his entire career. Braylen, the middle of the brothers, signed with Tennessee as a member of the 2016 class. He will play his senior season at Louisiana Tech after transferring this winter.

Ray didn’t push his sons to go to see a ton of schools during their recruitments. Jordan played his junior year during the COVID-19 outbreak and amidst a time where colleges didn’t allow prospects on campus.

Jordan was able to improve and develop as a player over the last year.

“I’ve always spent time with the kids and had a chance to share with them more than anything,” Ray said. “To be honest, it was unfortunate last year, but at the same time, I knew he’d have his senior year this year to be able to go and showcase his talent. He’s been really developing in the areas that they need to see.”

Jordan is relieved to relax and play football with North Gwinnett the next few months. He won’t be enrolling early.

“It’s time to just rack up my film and work on my craft before I go to that next level,” Jordan said.