NEWTON, N.C. — One’s aspirations in life come from inspiration in different places. In some instances, it could be the environment around an individual that shape’s one’s interests. In other cases, family or friends can affect one’s pathway.
The latter sentiment can be applied to Newton-Conover High School senior Jordan Lineberger. For him, the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree when it came to pursuing an athletic career.
Lineberger is entering his final season as a member of the Red Devils varsity football program which is a commonality he shares with his father, Dontavius.
The antecedent Lineberger’s claim to fame was when he returned a previously record-setting kick-off from the team’s own 19-yard line for a touchdown over two decades ago during the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 2A Western Regional Championship game against Eastern Randolph.
With the contest tied at 14-all, this would be the deciding touchdown that sent Newton-Conover to its first-ever NCHSAA 2A state championship in 2000. It was also a standout highlight for the all-conference athlete because it was the first and only kick-off return TD of his season.
Nevertheless, the subsequent Lineberger began his career on varsity as a sophomore during the 2021-22 season looking to build upon the family legacy while establishing a name of his own.
“I have always loved the game of football, and a big reason for that is my father being a star at Newton,” said Jordan Lineberger. “[However,] I never pursued playing until my 7th grade year due to my mother being concerned about my safety playing. Ever since I stepped on the field for the first time, I haven’t looked back.”
His time on the gridiron as a Red Devil unfolded as an underclassman, and Linberger stepped up and demonstrated his potential from the outset. In his first year, he amassed 39 total tackles as a linebacker which included 11 tackles for a loss, five sacks and a fumble recovery.
“I love the linebacker position,” he said. “Some major reasons are [that] I love the contact and also having the ability to be the general of the field. I believe some important traits to have to be a successful linebacker are being explosive, having an eye for the ball, being a vocal leader and understanding the game both on offense and defense.
“I have also played running back, as well as full back, on the offensive side of the football. But, nothing beats having the role I’m blessed to have in the defensive side of the ball.”
He displayed his prowess to play outside linebacker during his sophomore campaign in 2021, but he only progressed in his ability to make the necessary defensive plays as a junior in 2022. In 2023, he will make the shift to inside linebacker.
Despite missing the state playoffs last season, as the team went 3-7 overall, Lineberger finished with a career-best 82 total tackles, 8.2 tackles per contest, seven tackles for a loss, a pair of sacks and two forced fumbles. This statline led to his first Catawba Valley 2A All-Conference selection.
Along the journey, in addition to his father, Lineberger has garnered the support of the mentors for whom he has played alongside including all-conference/all-state athletes Xavion Coulter and Ben Watson, as well as all-conference player Jayce Harrison-Young. Coulter is also the Red Devils’ program career record-holder with 315 total tackles.
“Playing with guys like Xay, Ben and Jayce has been an honor and I’ve definitely been lucky to watch and learn from these guys over the years,” he said. “Xay to this day is one of my biggest mentors. I’ve learned a lot from these guys, but one of the most important things I’ve learned from all of them is to be fearless and relentless. That’s part of the reason I’m so strong willed and have such a high motor.”
If that wasn’t enough, Lineberger also had the first-hand guidance of his older cousin DeMarcus Beatty. Beatty was a senior running back during his first taste of varsity football life in 2021.
He said that Beatty is another big part of his football success and love for the game.
“Any questions I’ve had or mistakes I’ve made on or off the field he’s always been here to support and help me through it,” said Lineberger of this family affair.
Looking to be a leader in his final year, Lineberger has also taken some teammates under his wing including Michael Sifford, Gavin Cook, and Devante Johnson. He said that he’s making sure that these guys keep pushing; he also said that they are on the come up and have the desire to be great.
Furthermore, Lineberger believes he has the traits needed to have an even bigger impact this upcoming season besides leadership.
“I think I stand out in many different ways such as my work ethic, my nose for the football, my passion and most of all my relentless motor,” he said. “Coach [Steve] Pack tells me all the time I have one of the best motors he’s seen and people tell me all the time; it’s like I don’t get tired. It’s like when I’m on the field I lose sight of everything else going on other than playing football and shutting the opposing team down.
“Coach Pack and coach [Jacob] Sigmon have seen my potential since middle school I feel. But not only them, I feel like my whole coaching staff that I have played for over the years, especially people such as coach [Todd] Setzer, coach [Chip] Watts and coach [Chris] Hinson. These guys have all taught me really how to take my game to the next level especially in the aspect of reading an offense and knowing their next move. I feel like if you can read an offense and know it better than the other team does there’s little to no one that can stop you; and these coaches have helped me learn that and much more over the years, so huge thanks to all of them.”
Pack said that Lineberger’s leadership and work ethic rank up there with Coulter, Watson, along with former Red Devil all-conference/all-state tailback/linebacker Allan Shade II.
“Jordan LIneberger has dedicated himself to the classroom, weight room, and playing field for 4 years. He is tireless in his efforts to improve his body to make himself the best athlete possible,” said Pack. “He comes to practice every day with a great attitude and leads his teammates. He has one of the best motors that I’ve seen in my coaching career. He is a true sideline to sideline defensive player.
“We will be moving him inside this year and he is adjusting very well to the position. He is following in the footsteps of some great LB’s that we have had here at NCHS in my 6 years. We are anticipating Jordan to lead our team, our defense and to be one of the best players around as he prepares for his senior season.”
With the tools he’s gathered the last two seasons, Lineberger is hopeful that his final run will be a successful one.
“I’m looking forward to doing some big things this season and make a boom in the state of North Carolina,” he said. “I’m pushing for a deep playoff run this year, bouncing back from us missing the playoffs last year. I am also pushing to not only get all conference again but [to] have all state honors, as well. I’m playing with a chip on my shoulder this year.”
Due to his success in 2022, Lineberger said he has seen positive reviews from a number of different collegiate schools including Appalachian State University, Florida Memorial University, Catawba College, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Ferrum College (VA), Mars Hill University, the University of Pennsylvania, Averett University (VA), among others.
“I really appreciate all of the schools recognizing my talent and I’m truly blessed to be in the position I am,” he said. “I’m looking forward to doing great things and open up some more eyes this season. I always give thanks to the man above for the countless blessings I receive every day because without him none of this would be possible.”
Lineberger will have the chance to put more programs on notice as his 2023 season kicks off against non-conference opponent West Henderson on Aug. 18. The contest will be held inside of Gurley Stadium at Newton-Conover High School.
