PLAINFIELD, NJ – December 20, 2023 – After years of hard work and dedication, his dreams, and aspirations of playing his respective sport at the collegiate level are now coming to fruition. This morning, student-athlete Josue Cordoba signed a National Letter of Intent to play a sport at the NCAA Division I school Kent University in Kent, Ohio, in Fall 2024.
In front of family, coaches, teammates, and other supporters at Plainfield High School, Josue said, “I want to thank everyone who came out today.” He continued, “My parents, thank you for being one of the reasons I am here. My mom, who has never gotten upset for having to drive a two-hour distance for a match, has never missed a game and has always been there for me. Thank you to my coaches and to the coaches I had throughout the years.
The early mornings and late nights have prepared me for this moment. Coach Williams, you came to Plainfield High School three years ago, and since then, you have changed this program completely. You changed me as a person, as an athlete, and as a student.” Full of emotion, Josue uttered, “I want to say that I have committed to Kent State University.”
From a non-recruit, the defensive and offensive lineman began turning heads weekly on the football field, drawing attention to one of his most memorable games, making five quarterback sacks against North Hunterdon High School. In a short time, Josue earned recognition from USA Today as the First Team Allstate. In addition, he was named All-Division, All-Conference, Three-Star Recruit from Rivals, and Top 100 Players in New Jersey.
“Josue wasn't a recruit when I got here three years ago. They did not know Josue,” said Plainfield High School Cardinals Head Coach and Union County Coach of the Year, James Williams. “I said if you do what I tell you, you will be alright. And he did it.” Coach Williams continued, “Josue, don’t let this be a grand opening and a grand closing. Make sure you do what you have to do.”
Following Coach Williams encouraging words, Superintendent of the Plainfield Public School District, Rashon K. Hasan, stated, “I want you to know, Josue, a part of the reason why Coach Williams is the Union County Coach of the Year is because of the way you showed up and played exceptionally, and represented the Plainfield Public School District.”
The Union County Conference named Coach Williams, Union County Football Coach of the Year for the 2023 season. The announcement came after Williams led the Plainfield Cardinals to a 6-5 record, making the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
He (Superintendent Hasan) resumed, “Understand that the gifts and talents you have are going to open up tremendous doors and opportunities for you, and for every door that is opened, make sure to look back and extend a hand to pull along one of your brothers and sisters from this community.”
Josue comes from a family entirely of football talent. His brother, Cesar Cordoba, the oldest of four, has enjoyed joining Josue’s athletic journey. He is one of the coaches for Plainfield High School and has taken strides to push Josue for excellence.
“This is the start of something great for you. Continue to be the shining star that we know you will be and represent Plainfield wherever you go,” concluded Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S., Superintendent of Schools.
Commissioner Hanae M. Wyatt, Board President, commented, “Congratulations to Josue and his family! Josue is a great talent and a well-rounded student in our district; He is a great role-model to our younger athletes, and we are looking forward to watching him grow and move into even bigger things in his future endeavors.”
Josue leaves behind his youngest brother, who is also an exceptional football player and student.
The NCAA manages the daily operations of the NLI program, while the Collegiate Commissioners Association (CCA) provides governance oversight of the program. Started in 1964 with seven conferences and eight independent institutions, the program now includes 652 Division I and Division II participating institutions.
For more information on this story or the Plainfield Public School District, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or by phone at, (908) 731-4442.
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