Creator: BO SHOT IT
Copyright: Navarro Hillian
Last summer, Movin’ The Chains had the opportunity to sit down with Nick Gordon as he was coming off a breakout sophomore season and building momentum on the recruiting trail.
Fast forward to now and the growth is obvious.
Gordon’s junior season showed real development in every phase of his game. From increased speed and route precision to a deeper understanding of coverages, he has continued to evolve into a complete receiver. The production backed it up, the recognition followed, and college interest has continued to rise, including another Ivy League offer from Penn since this interview was conducted.
Kevin recently caught up with Nick again to talk about his junior season, his offseason focus, recruiting momentum, and what continues to drive him. Here is our latest conversation.
Kevin Thomas: Now that your junior season is complete, what did you learn most about your game this year?
Nick Gordon: The thing I learned most about my game this year was that I can play at a fast
pace and be more precise in my route running to create separation. I also
learned how to read and understand coverages.
KT: What part of your game do you feel took the biggest step forward during the season?
NG: The part of my game that took the biggest step this year was my speed. I trained
all summer on how to play fast and increase my speed coming in and out of my
routes. My game preparation changed, which helped all facets of my game.
KT: What are you most proud of from this past season, either individually or as a team?
NG: The thing I am most proud of this year is being named the Offensive Player of the
Year in my conference and being chosen as one of the best WR not only in the
Pee Dee region but also in the State. I was invited to the High School Blitz
Junior All Star Game where the top talent in the State showcase their skills.
In the context of team success this year, we beat 5A Conway during the regular
season and showed offensive improvement against all levels of competition.
KT: Was there a moment or game this year that really stood out to you? Why?
NG: The game that stood out to me the most was our first playoff game vs. Andrews. I
had a pick 6 and caught a screen pass where I showed elusiveness after the
catch. I was very proud of my effort to help my team secure the win and move on
to the next round.
KT: What did this season show you that you still need to improve to reach the next level?
NG: This season showed me that my focus should be getting faster, stronger, and
continue to run routes with route integrity. By improving these things will make
me a greater asset at the next level.
KT: How has your mindset or approach to the game changed from when you first started high school to now?
NG: My mindset and approach have changed totally since entering high school. I must train more, be a student of the game and study game tape to improve. It’s important to know and study your next opponent. I’m focused on being an all-around player.
KT: What are your main goals for this offseason, both physically and mentally?
NG: The main goals for me this off season are to continue my training with Coach
Gary Green, who is a wide receivers coach who trains top talent not only at the
high school level but at the college and NFL level as well. I was also invited to
join his 7 on 7 team. We will play in several tournaments across different states.
Another goal is to continue to improve my route running and speed. I’m working
on gaining lean muscle and concentrating on plyometrics in the weightroom. I
watch film on NFL receivers and study their route running, techniques and body
control.
KT: Are there specific areas of your game you’re really locking in on this offseason?
NG: The specific areas of my game I am working on improving are getting bigger,
faster, stronger and better route running. I will also spend time with my coaches
learning how to read defenses and how they play receivers.
KT: What does a typical offseason workout or training week look like for you right now?
NG: The typical offseason workout for me is 3 days a week in the weightroom, training
during the week, followed by 7on7 games on the weekends.
KT: How has the recruiting process been going for you so far?
NG: The recruiting process has been very interesting. This past season I have been
invited to several game day visits. I have spoken with a lot of coaches about
possible opportunities. Some of the schools who have shown interest are the
University of North Carolina, Clemson, South Carolina, Liberty, East Carolina,
North Carolina State, North Carolina A&T, Samford, Wake Forest, Harvard,
Howard, Charleston Southern and Navy. I am very excited about this spring. I
will be attending some Junior Days and focused on locking in official visits.
I picked up my 2nd D1 offer from Harvard University this offseason. I am very
honored to have an offer from not only an Ivy League school, but the elite of Ivy
League schools. Harvard has been interested in me for quite a while. The
coaches reached out and said they reviewed my tape and they were placing me
on their recruiting board. They continued to follow me throughout the season. I
had a facetime call with a coach on staff in February where he asked detailed
questions about, not only my game, but the person I am and my character. We
had a very productive call. Two days after the Facetime call, the head coach,
Coach Andrew Aurich called me and extended the offer. He laid out how they
would use my skillset and talked about the culture of the program. I’m very
honored and highly grateful for this offer and forever thankful for Coach Aurich
and the Harvard football staff for believing in me and wanting me to join the
program.
*Note: Nick has picked up another offer since this interview, this time from Ivy League school Penn*
KT: What has been the most exciting or eye-opening part of the recruiting process up to this point?
NG: The most exciting part of the recruitment process has been the treatment you
receive during game day visits and the attention from the coaches along the
process.
KT: What are college coaches telling you they like most about your game?
NG: The coaches are telling me that the greatest asset of my game is my speed, and
that I am a game changer with the ability to return kickoffs and punts. They also like
how I can make defenders miss in the open field once I catch the football.
KT: Do you have any upcoming camps, combines, or visits lined up this offseason or summer?
NG: I have several camps and combines set for the offseason and summer. I will
attend as many camps as possible to let the coaches see how I have improved since
last year. I will also start taking official visits.
KT: What motivates you the most when things get tough?
NG: The thing that motivates me the most when things get tough is my drive to find a
way to achieve with the help of my Lord and Savior and my family’s support. Life
experiences help me learn to fight through tough times.
KT: Who has had the biggest impact on your football journey so far?
NG: The people who have the biggest impact on my football journey are my parents
and older brother and the many other family members who believe in me and
support me. My family continues to push me and provide many opportunities to play
this game. They attend games with me providing training opportunities. The biggest
thing is them being present at my games. I have the best support system in the
world. When things get tough, they encourage me.
KT: What message would you send to college coaches who are just starting to learn about you?
NG: The message that I would send to college coaches who are just starting to learn
about me would be to turn my tape on and see one of the best receivers in the
country. My ability is God given. It’s nothing in my own will. I give HIM all the Glory.
They see my dedication to the game and my willingness to get better at every
opportunity I have. They see how I can be a game changer. By the Grace of God,
I’m a natural playmaker with the ball in my hands. Most importantly they learn that I
will be an asset to their program both academically and athletically, with a will to be
the best teammate I can.
Nick Gordon’s journey is trending in the right direction, not just because of the offers or accolades, but because of the mindset behind them. He understands what needs to improve. He embraces the work. He studies the game. He takes pride in being more than just a playmaker and strives to be an all around asset both on and off the field. As he heads into his senior season, the foundation has been laid. The speed is there. The confidence is there. The opportunity continues to grow. Now it is about taking the next step. If his progression over the last year is any indication, he is just getting started.
Creator: GameFlo