The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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Cam Gordon Is The First Man Up If not for lingering discomfort in his back, Gordon likely would have started at strongside linebacker in the 2011 opener. Instead, he missed that game and six more with the injury, providing an opportunity to Ryan, then a redshirt freshman. In that first chance to shine, Ryan made one of the season-opening game's biggest plays, deflecting Western Michigan quarterback Alex Carder's pass near the goal line, resulting in a Brandon Herron interception and a 94-yard return that provided a 14-7 lead. Like that, a star was born, and Gordon took a backseat to his younger teammate. Undeterred, and still learning the nuances of the position, the 6-3, 233-pound Gordon emerged as Ryan's chief backup in 2012, and would appear in 10 games, recording 17 tackles (three for loss). He was poised to contribute to a greater extent this fall even before Ryan's injury; Mattison was so excited about Gordon's progress in winter conditioning, he suggested utilizing the two linebackers simultaneously. "The good news is Cam Gordon has been right there with Jake all the way, getting reps, improving not because of what happened to Jake, but as we watched cutups from last year, I made the comment to some of the coaches that maybe I got him out too fast sometimes," Mattison said. "As we watched the film, you keep saying to yourself, 'He did a pretty good job on that play.' "He continuously gets better." Gordon seems intent on seizing this opportunity, finishing what was once a promising career. He was considered a can't-miss talent for the Wolverines' secondary back in 2010, hyped by then-coordinator Greg Robinson as a difference-maker at safety. A savvy player with a high football IQ and tremendous athleticism, the Inkster, Mich., native struggled patrolling the defensive backfield, though, and moved closer to the line of scrimmage midway through his redshirt freshman campaign. He did show a knack for making plays, tallying three interceptions, four passes broken up, two fumble recoveries and 3.5 tackles for loss. Head coach Brady Hoke and Mattison have remarked that Gordon had an outstanding winter, perhaps the best of any Wolverine, positioning himself to earn more game-day reps with an equally strong spring, summer and preseason practice. Now that Ryan is out, however, Gordon's rise is not a luxury, but a must, and he's ready. "It's bittersweet to have one of my teammates go down, but just like every other position, someone has to step up and fill that void," he said. "I am very confident I can be that guy." Brennen Beyer Adds Depth, Competition When Ryan went down, Gordon assumed the early mantle of Sam starter, and walk-on Mark Lawson became the top reserve. There simply