Jonathan Ward walks his own path from humble beginnings

Evan Petzold Jonathan Ward poses for a portrait at Mid-American Conference Media Day at Ford Field on July 24.Growing up in Kankakee, Illinois, Jonathan Ward remembers having three options – drugs, gangs or sports.

With the temptation of the streets looming, Ward said he had to get out of Kankakee through his performance on the field.

“Man, I’m ready,” he recalls thinking after his sophomore football season. “I want to do this.”

Attending Bishop McNamara High School, Ward’s cousin remembers him as a prize to be won. He had talent much different than other kids. He was special.

His mother, Jaymi Brooks, worked multiple jobs to help pay for Ward’s private education; she believed it was pivotal in…