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Vashon Lamont Hill, Chief of Marketing and Communications
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Joel Cordoba Signs National Letter of Intent to Play Football at Kent State University
PLAINFIELD, NJ – January 15, 2025 – Plainfield High School senior Joel Cordoba has followed in his older brother Josue's footsteps by committing to play football at Kent State University in Ohio for the Fall 2025 season. Cordoba, a standout athlete and exceptional student, signed his National Letter of Intent on Thursday, January 9, 2025, making an impactful mark on both the field and in the classroom.
With a remarkable 3.6 GPA, Joel is not only an accomplished football player but also a dedicated student and leader. He is a member of the Plainfield Athletic Leadership Council and has been recognized for his excellence in both academics and athletics, receiving the prestigious NFL Latino Youth Honors Program’s New York Giants Youth Latino Award. The award honors high school football athletes across the country for their excellence on the field and in the classroom. As part of the recognition, Joel will attend the 2025 Super Bowl LIX as a Giants award winner.
Joel’s football accomplishments at Plainfield High School speak for themselves. He recorded an impressive 1,813 receiving yards, 18 touchdowns, 150 tackles, 11 interceptions, and five forced fumbles. His performance earned him the title of 2023 Central Jersey's 2-Way Player of the Year, Group 5 All-State Offense, and recognition as a three-time First Team All-Division and All-Big Central Conference player. Additionally, he was named to the New Jersey Football Coaches Association (NJFCA) 2024 All-State Super 100.
Joel has also met all of his high school graduation requirements and will graduate early, making him eligible to begin his college studies this spring semester at Kent State University. This remarkable achievement will allow him to get a head start on his collegiate career and adapt to the demands of being a student-athlete at the Division I level.
“Joel has exemplified what it means to be a student-athlete,” said Corey Tucker, Assistant Director of Athletics for Plainfield Public Schools. “By placing academics first, he positioned himself to graduate early. This allows him to start his college studies early and acclimate to the life of a collegiate student-athlete, setting him up for success both on and off the field. This is only the second time in Plainfield history someone has accomplished this, with former Baltimore Ravens Offensive Tackle Eugene Monroe being the first. We are incredibly proud of Joel, and even more proud of the standard he has set for future student-athletes.”
Superintendent Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S., also commended Joel’s hard work and dedication, noting, “What you’re doing now is showing your peers and student-athletes in this community what is possible if you stay focused and keep academics a priority. You are proving that with determination, you can accomplish your goals.”
Reflecting on Joel’s journey, Superintendent Hasan added, “A year ago, we were here congratulating your brother Josue, and I told him that he had the opportunity to open the door for others. Now, Joel, you are that person walking through that door, continuing the path your brother opened. You will always be a Cardinal. Congratulations.”
Joel signed his Letter of Intent alongside his brother, Josue, who he is joining at Kent State University, as well as his other two older brothers, Joshua and Cesar Cordoba. Cesar, the defensive coordinator for Plainfield Cardinals, has played a pivotal role in shaping both Josue and Joel’s athletic careers. Under his guidance, Joel excelled not only as a wide receiver but also as a defensive back—a position he will continue to play at Kent State University.
“This achievement is because of the hard work and support of my family, especially my brother Cesar, who has guided me throughout my journey,” said Joel. “I’m excited to continue my football career at Kent State and represent my family and my community.”
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For more information on the Plainfield Public School District or this story, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or by phone at, (908) 731-4442.