Richard Jata is going PRO

Richard Jata has decided to finish his senior year of school via online classes and devote all of his time towards playing soccer at the professional level. Jata has set a goal to be a first round draft pick in the 2009 MLS Superdraft and he expects nothing less.

Campbell head coach Doug Hess had this to say about Jata. "He is very much a soccer player. In this day and age we look too much for the 'athlete' before the guy that can play. Richard thinks the game. Strong with either foot, excellent sense for the game; can beat you off the dribble, with his movement, on the pass or with a dead ball. I do believe he is that diamond in the rough coaches are looking for."

Friend and former teammates Shea Salinas and Jon Leathers were selected 15th and 25th last year, and Jata, who was recruited to Furman the same year, looks to follow in their footsteps.

I expect Jata to perform well at the combine and impress all of the coaches with his ball skills, shooting, passing and his ability to read the game extremely well at all times. If all goes according to plan, look for Jata to move up the draft board as the Superdraft grows closer. There's no telling how high he could get selected. It really just depends on what team needs a player, who one day, has the ability to play in Europe.

Here is another video that shows the incredible power and accuracy in Jata's shot. Honestly, I don't know any other college soccer player who is capable of hitting a shot like this. Do you?

Unstoppable Free Kick Bent Around the Wall



Check out the link below to see how good Jata is with the ball at his feet.

Richard Jata - Ball Skills