Huntington placekicker Jordan Price won this year’s Fulton Walker Award, given to the most outstanding special teams player. (Photo by Ryan Fischer/The Herald-Dispatch)
HUNTINGTON — Jordan Price went after Johnny Ayai in more ways than one.
Not only did Price follow Ayayai as Huntington High School’s kicker, he also won the Fulton Walker Award as the best special teams player in West Virginia high school football, a year after his predecessor accomplished the feat.
Walker Award recipients are selected by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association.
Price and Ayaai were also honored with the award, along with Kayson Kessinger. Kessinger accomplished that in 2016. Huntington High School players have won the award three times in 11 years, more than any other school.
Price, a senior, completed 9 of 11 field goal attempts, a 43-yard long and 42 of 43 extra point attempts. He averaged 36.1 yards per punt and 66.2 yards per kickoff.
“Jordan probably has the strongest legs of anyone who’s ever kicked here.” Highlanders coach Billy Shields said: “We’ve had some great kickers here. We’ve been blessed with a pedigree of great kickers. Coach (Bob) Watts does a great job with the kickers. All of them were All-Stars.”
Price transferred from George Washington to Huntington High School during the offseason.
“Johnny and I are close.” Price said of Aya Ai: “We were competing in camp, and he told his story here and it made me want to come here and see what I could do. For me. I think it’s a better environment. The coaches prioritize special teams and they go with the players they have. That was a big driver for me getting here.”
Price led the Highlanders to an 11-2 record, losing 35-34 to state champion Martinsburg in the state semifinals. Coincidentally, Walker played at Martinsburg before starring at West Virginia University and played in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Raiders.
“He had a great year for us.” Shields said of Price: “His kickoffs have probably helped us more than anything. He puts them in the end zone. His touchback rate is over 80%. He’s a team that has to go 80 yards to score. If you can do that, it will be to your advantage.”
College coaches took notice of Price. Pikeville University was the first to offer him a scholarship. West Liberty, West Virginia and Glenville followed.
Price said he plans to major in sports medicine/exercise science. He said he took that option as a freshman when he found out he was too sick to play soccer and too weak to play.
He started kicking with Michael Hughes, then at GW and now a kicker at Appalachian State University, who persuaded him to start weightlifting and conditioning, which piqued his interest in the sports medicine field. Ta.
Price’s departure from George Washington for Huntington continued his pattern.
“I’ve never stayed in one place in my life.” Price attended Mink Shoals Elementary School, moved to Richardson, Texas, returned to Mink Shoals, attended Charleston Catholic Middle School before Golden Week, and attended Huntington High School.
Price said competition drives growth.
“If I had been here with Johnny all four years, I would have been in the same place as Johnny.” Price said.
The kicker, who has strong legs, said his faith has kept him strong throughout his travels.
“My beliefs outside of sports have translated into sports and helped me become a better person, teammate, and player.” Price said. “I’m grateful to my teammates and coaches for the season we had, especially Coach Shields. I’m grateful to my parents and everyone who has influenced me.”
Price will be recognized at the 78th Annual Victory Awards Dinner on May 24 at the Bridgeport Convention Center.
