Sweden’s Jordan Genmark-Heath embraces the spotlight of college football
Photo: 247 Sport
Under 34-24 with under 10 minutes left, the UCLA Bruins were desperate for a spark against the number 10 ranked Oregon Ankor. With things that looked bleak, an unlikely hero stepped up as Swedish linebacker Jordan Genmark-Heath jumped high and snatched a pass from the air and returned the interception to Ankor 19-yard line. The clutch’s turnover injected supercharged energy into the stadium and got 55,675 fans on their feet when the speed of the match returned to the home team. Thousands cheered as European had just played the biggest game of the day during this week’s football match.
Unfortunately, it the Swede’s eavesdropping was not enough because Ankor ran away Los Angeles with a razor-sharp 34-31 victory. But for fifth-year seniors, big games play on college football’s biggest stage in something he’s been working on since he was 13.
“It’s been a journey,” he said. “Who would have thought I would be here, where I am today.” (via OC Register)
Before playing at the highest level in college football, Genmark-Heath began his football journey by playing with Arlanda Jets close Sweden capital. As a 13-year-old in Stockholm, Gemark-Heath quickly became obsessed with American football. The Scandinavian Defenders commented that he developed his skills in what is still a niche sport within Sweden.
“I learned through YouTube. Even though it’s a small sport, we had about 600 children playing. It was definitely a good time. I fell in love with the sport extremely early.. My dream was to play high school football. ” (via OC Register)
Shortly afterwards, these dreams became reality Stockholm the native moved halfway across the globe to sunny San Diego. The dream of Friday night lights quickly changed to Saturday afternoons when college coaches began to court cathedral catholic stand out. Listed as a four-star prospect, the former Arlanda Jet retrieved several offers from power package programs such as California, Vanderbilt, and Boston College.
Initially, the foreign exchange student undertook to Cal before their coaching staff was fired shortly after the 2016 season. Fortunately for him, a late scholarship offer and a visit in January got Genmark-Heath to join one of college football’s most prestigious teams, Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Gud, Country, Notre Dame☘️ pic.twitter.com/vX5s1y3TXl
– Jordan Genmark Heath (@SwedishBlackGuy) January 26, 2017
After his freshman season, Notre Ladies coach switched promising safety to linebacker. The move would pay off as the newly converted defender saw more playing time as a versatile linebacker with excellent coverage. The move from the secondary to the physical role of linebacker felt like home to the hard-hitting sophomore.
“I gained about 30 pounds,” said Genmark-Heath about changing positions. “It’s a lot of weight to get up so I had a little bad weight and was a little swollen in the face.
“It took a while for me to be safe and comfortable playing in the box, but this is the position where I belong.” (via OC Register)
After three seasons with Irish, Genmark-Heath had played in 39 matches and collected 42 tackles while making a name for himself as a central special team. After graduating in 2020, the former San Diego resident moved back to Golden State joins UCLA Bruins for his final year NCAA competence.
Forever grateful ~ pic.twitter.com/7g7IFA0fGZ
– Jordan Genmark Heath (@SwedishBlackGuy) September 8, 2020
Since arriving at Bruins The college football veteran’s program has shone in its new role as UCLA: s starting linebacker. Through nine games this season, Genmark-Heath is second in the team with 43 tackles. In addition to solid tackling of the former Fighting Irish the player has also wreaked havoc on opponents with two recoveries, one and a half sacks and one interception. The knowledgeable veterinarian has also taken on a leadership role with a young person Bruins teams eager to earn a bowl game in prime time.
Taking a look back at Jordan Genmark Heath’s clumsy recovery, which put the Bruins in business.
Capture the final 7:27, on @ Pac12Network.
📺: https://t.co/5GOcvgI8L1 #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/5Gao8NbAzt
– UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) September 19, 2021
Off the field, the Notre Dame doctoral student is now studying educational and information science UCLA: s Graduate. While focusing on his final college football season and a challenging master’s degree Bruins do-it-all linebacker still has an eye set on one NFL future.
“I will be able to finish my master’s this fall and my plan is to declare for the league.” (via OC Register)
Sitting at 5-4, the UCLA Bruins and Genmark-Heath still have a goal of a big bowl victory. Enter a tough stretch of conference play Bruins will lean towards his favorite Swedish to make some great plays. Genmark-Heath’s strong season should get the scouts’ interest because he fits well in the form of the new linebacker’s fast linebacker, currently trendy on Sunday afternoons.