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With a bevy of high prospect prospects on campus this weekend, P.J. Fleck and co. were bound to nab at least one verbal commitment. Sure enough, Florida linebacker James Gordon has decided to spend his college playing career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
After having a Great Visit at the University of Minnesota and talking it over with my Mom and My Dad I have decided this is the place for me Thank you for everyone’s support I’m committed to University of Minnesota 〽️〽️@Coach_Fleck @Coach_Addae @CoachSmithMN @thomasbarber41 pic.twitter.com/xqDkw1otOQ
— James Gordon IV (@djgrind21) June 10, 2018
Get to know James Gordon
Height: 5’11’’
Weight: 214
Power 5 Scholarship Offers: Iowa State, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, and Purdue
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8366
Scouting Report
At 5’11’’, Gordon is a bit undersized compared to the Gophers’ current linebacker corp, but his athleticism is the perfect fit for what defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Robb Smith wants from his outside linebackers. His ability to quickly diagnose the play and identify the point of attack allows him to utilize his speed and close on the ball carrier. He can certainly wreak havoc in the backfield, although his film doesn’t show much in the way of shedding blocks, so I’m curious how developed he is in that respect. But Gordon can play sideline-to-sideline and drop into coverage against tight ends and running backs.