Otay Ranch senior Jordan Melendo doesn’t get a lot of notice playing center for the Mustangs football team, but he doesn’t mind a bit. Centers generally only get noticed when they do something wrong such as botch the snap. His job is to open the holes that his running backs slip through and to protect his quarterback, Juan Leary from harm. He has been doing that well over the past couple years. Well enough in fact to be named as an All-Mesa League center following his junior campaign last season.

 “Jordan is one of our captains and one of the guys that we look to for leadership,” said Mustangs head coach, Gene Alim. “He has responded very well to that leadership role. He has a lot of positive attributes: he has a great attitude doesn’t miss practice and he’s a team player. He was an all-league performer as junior last year and we expect him to be one again this season.”

 At 5’8” and 284 pounds Melendo has the natural physique of a center and his strength and quickness have made him a real asset for the Mustangs O-Line. The often violent world of the trenches is not for everybody, but Melendo thrives on contact.

 “Considering my size, this is about the only position that I could play, but it is fun. I get contact every play. That is what I love about it. I consider myself a better run blocker than a pass protector). On the count I like to get off the ball quicker and get at the defensive lineman. I am built low to the ground so I can get leverage on a lot of guys.”

 Capable of bench pressing 310 pounds, Melendo ranks as one of the strongest players on the team. That strength allows him to keep battling in the fourth quarter when his muscles are tired and his body has absorbed plenty of punishment.

 Despite the fact that the Mustangs have struggled against some tough early season opponents and stumbled to a 1-3-1 record Melendo believes that a turnaround is imminent. The team’s record has not dampened his love for the game.

 “The camaraderie is really great on this team. We are really like one big family. We are all best friends and we all know each other and hang out with each other. It has been a lot of fun.”

 Melendo will take quite a bit away from this experience beyond the knowledge of blocking schemes and X’s and O’s.

 “Football teaches you a lot about responsibility. It takes a lot of dedication to be on a football team. It teaches you to work hard and never give up. Most of what I do is one on one. If I give up that is a missed block and a tackle (or sack) and I am letting the other guys down. I never want to do that. I play for them and for coach Alim.”

 Next year, Melendo hopes to continue his career at the next level. He has already attracted the interest of Iowa Wesleyan and he is hoping to hear from several other NAIA colleges as well. Then it will be decision time. With his positive attitude, well developed leadership skills and physical abilities he will no doubt be an asset to whichever team recruits him.