New FSM Feature: One-on-One With UNLV Football Commit Karson Gordon

New FSM Feature: One-on-One With UNLV Football Commit Karson Gordon

Franchise Sports Media

 

UNLV Football ’24 commit, Episcopal High School QB Karson Gordon, sat down with Joe Arrigo to talk about his recruitment, commitment, and more.

UNLV Football Commit Karson Gordon talks to Joe Arrigo.

UNLV football fans will see a new offense in 2023. As many know, it is called the “Go-Go offense” and it is orchestrated by Rebels offensive coordinator Brennan Marion. The dynamic offense needs a quarterback who is also dynamic, able to attack defenses in a variety of ways, and can make explosive plays with his arm and legs.

Karson Gordon, from Episcopal High School in Bellaire, Texas checks all the boxes Coach Marion needs. The 6’1, 180 lb signal-caller is an explosive multi-sport athlete with the brains to match. He is the nation’s #1 triple jumper and can run a 4.4 forty, but he also is a standout student and a leader.

Blessed to get back into championship shape and win the @TTFCA Meet of Champions🥇
New meet record : 50 feet 10 inches
Next stop Nike Nationals #GoKnights #BeaRebel🎰 @TXMileSplit @milesplit @EHSSports @Episcopal_TF @BrennanMarion4 @jlelites @RebelWayOrNoWay @SSN_UNLV pic.twitter.com/Wd1GMw19Oc

— Karson Gordon⭐️2024 (@KarsonGordon24) May 20, 2023

I spoke to a few coaches who have played against and were recruiting Karson Gordon. The one word that kept coming up was dynamic. They all spoke about a fierce competitor who was dynamic in every facet of the game.

One coach told me, “His recruiting is about to blow up. UNLV got a good one in that kid (Karson Gordon). He’s special, and in Brennan Marion’s offense, he has a chance to do some really special things.”

 

So I put on the film and what you see on tape is a quarterback with a big arm, extreme intelligence, and a high football IQ. Even with his 4.4 speed, when he gets out of the pocket he still looks to pass first, which puts extreme pressure on defenses who have to make a decision to play run or pass.

What you find out quickly when talking to coaches about Karson is that he is a football junkie who loves to watch and break down film, and he has leadership qualities that are off the charts.

If you talk to Karson you see how infectious his personality is and why he is well-liked by teammates, classmates, and nearly everyone with whom he comes in contact. His dad also played college football at Rice, so he comes from a football and educational pedigree.

Other schools have taken notice… most recently Northwestern. Karson currently has scholarship offers from Air Force, Jackson St., Texas Tech, Army, Howard, Northwestern, Nebraska, Sam Houston State, Washington St., Tulane, Incarnate Word, and Houston Christian.

UNLV think Karson Gordon is their QB of the future.

Here is what Karson had to tell me about his recruitment, what’s it’s like being the leader of the Rebels recruiting class, and his relationship with UNLV coaches.

Karson Gordon talks about his commitment to UNLV.

Your recruiting has been heating up lately, but how has the process been overall so far? Has it been stressful or are you taking it in stride?

The process has been great. I’ve been in it for a long time and I’m thankful for what it has taught me and how I have benefited from it. I’m definitely taking it in stride and not stressing about it because I trust in my heart to lead me to the right place for my college years.

 

Who has been helping you through your recruiting process?

 My dad and my mom, and my QB coach JP Tillman as well. They’ve all had great input as my dad and JP have been through the recruiting process before and showed me the ins and outs back in my freshman year, to where now I can navigate it confidently.

 

What is it that you are looking for in a school?

 A good education because there’s always a life after ball so that comes first. Then I would say my relationship with the coaching staff and my position coaches because that is who I will be spending most of my time with. Lastly, I would say the way I fit into the offensive scheme definitely matters. I want to be somewhat comfortable running the offense and putting my skills on showcase.

 

What was it about UNLV that led you to commit?

 I’ve known Coach Marion for the longest. He’s also tight with my high school OC, as well as JP Tillman, so the relationship was already there. Then when I visited campus for two days back in April, the staff’s energy was very high throughout my whole stay, and it just felt very natural for me to be around them, like I’d known them for months already. It just felt like home.

  

Who has been in touch with you the most from UNLV?

 Coach Marion, we talk very consistently, as well as Coach Brad Odom. I also talk ball with Coach Merchant often as well.

 

How did your relationship with Rebels OC Brennan Marion start and how has it grown?

It started back when I was a freshman, and he was at the University of Texas. I attended one of their summer camps and he noticed me there and we’ve been in touch ever since. Almost as soon as he got the job here he offered me, and we’ve been in contact consistently ever since then.

 

Every recruiting class has a leader, you are that guy for this UNLV class. How did you get in that role and how do you feel about that? 

As soon as I committed, I reached out to all the guys who committed before me, and the recruits we were trying to get. I just think by being genuine and watching everyone’s film and knowing where they are from has taken me a long way in my relationship with the guys because it shows I really care about this class and think we can do great things for this program. I’m blessed to be able to step into that position without even meeting some of these guys, just goes to show my buy-in.

 

What gets you the most excited about UNLV?

 Definitely the potential of the city and what the staff is building under coach Odom. We have beautiful facilities and an amazing stadium to play in, in one of the most famous cities in America. UNLV really has it all and I can’t wait to see where coach Odom takes it.

 

When you came to Las Vegas prior to the Spring Game, was that your first time here?

 No, it wasn’t my first time in Vegas, but it was my first time on campus and in the facilities.

  

What do you like most about Las Vegas? 

As I said, the potential of the city in terms of UNLV. Vegas is a gigantic revenue generator, and it attracts people left and right. And UNLV is right in the center of it.

 

When UNLV fans get a chance to watch you play, what can they expect?

They can expect a leader for sure. As well as a playmaker that does whatever he can to help the team win. I pride myself on that and my work ethic. Got to be the hardest worker in the room in this sport.

  

Who is your favorite player? Do you pattern your game after him?

I watch a bunch of guys. The usual greats in our game. I wouldn’t say I have a single favorite. But Aaron Rodgers, Bryce Young, Russ, Watson, Brady, Cam, Hendon Hooker, Kirk Cousins, and Josh Allen are all up there for me.

 

Describe your game for those who haven’t seen it. 

I’m a dual-threat QB, who is prioritizing his development on winning games from the pocket. Because running is the easy stuff. You win and you get paid for sitting in there on 3rd and 6 and taking a hit while throwing a crossing route to get the 1st and keeping your drive moving. Then as a last resort, I’ll take off and use my track speed to get the first down and get out of bounds… Because the best ability is availability!

Karson Gordon is ready to #BEaREBEL

UNLV head coach Barry Odom and the Rebels are continuing to add talent to their roster. UNLV is getting deeper and adding more talent to an already talented roster. The Rebels are going ALL IN! Follow Karson on Twitter (@KarsonGordon24).

 

-Joe Arrigo   Franchise Sports Media

Follow Joe on Twitter and Instagram: @JoeArrigoFSM

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