UMass Long Snapper Jovoni Borbon Dives Into Football Iourney
The former all-star QB has found a niche for himself as a Division-I long snapper
AMHERST, Mass. - As an all-star quarterback in high school, Jovoni Borbon envisioned completing passes at the college level…he just didn’t see himself doing so between his legs.
After switching from offense to defense in junior college, Borbon eventually found himself shifting from defense to special teams, where he’s found a niche that landed him in a crucial, yet often overlooked role on the Division-I level.
Borbon was a four-year quarterback at Buena High School in Sierra Vista, Ariz.. He was named Offensive All-Region Player of the Year, subsequently earning first-team honors at quarterback and in the secondary. He recorded 5,666 passing yards, 1,151 rushing yards and 67 touchdowns during his high school career.
He eventually transitioned to free safety in junior college at Maricopa CC, recording six tackles. However, it wasn’t a great fit.
“I found out real fast that wasn't going to work out,” Borbon acknowledged. “I’m not strong enough, not really big enough.”
Subsequently, he tried out as a long snapper, and it was a huge success. All of a sudden, he became a coveted prospect.
He transferred to SMU for his junior and senior years. He appeared in one game.
“I wouldn't say I chose this life as a specialist, but I mean I've enjoyed it,” said Borbon. “It's great.”
As a graduate student, Borbon transferred to McNeese State.
He then transferred to UMass this past December as a second-year graduate student.
The transition period wasn’t too big of a challenge for Borbon, as he said he’s grown from his experiences of adversity throughout his football career.
“I think poise is the biggest thing in my position, and I think I handle it well in a sense of the way I grew up playing quarterback,” Borbon said.
Borbon was fired up about Joe Castellitto from the moment Castellitto reached out to him this offseason and is excited about working with the UMass special teams coordinator this upcoming season.
“Ever since that first phone call, I knew this has to be my coach,” he said. “My mom and I came to visit and instantly fell in love with the coaching staff. How they treated me and how they treated my mom essentially made it feel like she got the scholarship. Truthfully, she did.”
Castellitto’s belief in the 5-foot-10, 210-pounder graduate student instilled confidence.
“Him believing in me and him putting me in position to succeed and the way he allows me the opportunity to be a leader in the locker room is just great,” said Borbon. “Our relationship outside of football is why I believe I'm here.”
Borbon views himself as a “natural-born leader” on and off the field.
“Just the fact I'm more involved, I feel like I'm a more natural leader. Being able to lead not only in the spectrum, but being able to lead as a voice throughout the facility and the way our facility is structured allows us to cross paths every day.”
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