High school seniors Jacob and Jordan Lockett are carrying on a family tradition in outstanding high school and collegiate performances on the gridiron.
They’re hoping to build on the example set by their former NFL father, Kevin Lockett, alongside the twins’ older brothers, Sterling and Tyler, and their uncle, Aaron.
For the past three decades, their family bloodline has bled royal purple and white at Kansas State University, with the Lockett name ranked among the best to wear the Wildcats’ uniforms. While Jacob was offered a scholarship by Kansas State’s new head coach Jordan wasn’t.
But the twins are determined to play together in college. To make this happen, Jacob announced June 24 that he will play at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
“Excited to announce that I am committing to Old Dominion University,” Jacob posted on X. “I’d like to thank God, my family and all of my coaches for all you have done for me on this journey. Excited for what’s in store for me.”
Jacob chose ODU over offers from Central Missouri, McNeese State, Missouri Southern, Northeastern State, Sioux Fall, Southeast Missouri, and Washburn. The Monarchs are coached by Ricky Rohne, a former Kansas State assistant coach who brought along former KSU assistant coaches who are longtime friends with the Locketts.
Meanwhile, Jordan has received offers from at least 10 schools including Missouri State University, University of North Dakota and University of Tennessee-Martin. After attending the Lindenwood University football camp in late June, Jordan’s offers are rising fast, according to his grandfather, John Lockett of Tulsa.
From North Carolina and Tulsa to Little Manhattan
Jacob and Jordan continue a legacy that has its roots in North Carolina, where their grandfather, John Lockett, was a hall of fame basketball player at Saint Augustine’s University. Those roots continued in Tulsa, where the twins’ father, Kevin, and oldest brother, Tyler, were all-state performers at Booker T. Washington High School, before their All-American careers at Kansas State.
Following their careers at Booker T. and Kansas State, Kevin, Aaron, and Tyler ranked one, two, and five, respectively, as all-time leading receivers in the university’s history.
The younger Locketts continue to follow the family path on the turf and in the classroom.
Jacob, 6’2” and 178 lbs., is a senior wide receiver, returner, and cornerback. Last year, he had 38 receptions, 679 yards, and nine touchdowns.
John tells The Oklahoma Eagle his grandsons were “being heavily recruited” by multiple schools. He said, Jacob is “similar to his dad, Kevin, in that he is strong, an excellent route runner, attacks the ball, has good speed, and great hands.”
Jordan, 6’0” and 170 lbs., also plays the same positions of wide receiver, returner, and cornerback. Last year, he had 61 receptions, 568 yards, and nine touchdowns. He is recognized as one of the top 10 kick returners in Kansas. The twins earned second-team honors in the Eastern Kansas League, with Jordan being named first-team specialist.
The elder Lockett said his family support system has been pivotal in their children and grandchildren’s successes. He serves as the executive director of the Light It Up Foundation (Tyler) and Lock-ett Up Foundation (Kevin and Aaron).
“I think from the very start, my wife and I gave them the opportunity to experiment with different sports, and we let them choose,” John said. “…We instilled (traits) in them such as hard work, dedication, teamwork, honesty, and being humble.”
He noted the recipe for creating such a legacy as his family’s is grounded in what he and his wife instilled in their children.
“Never give up and let no one bring you down. Every athlete needs positive support from family and friends in academics, sports, and socially. Always be a leader, not a follower,” John said.
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to show only Jacob Lockett has committed to playing at ODU and to update the schools Jordan has received an offer from.
