Gordon standing out in Miami

MIAMI-Miami (Fla.) Norland tight end Richard Gordon has always been highly rated and highly regarded in recruiting circles, but during CaliFlorida Bowl practices this week he has turned the heads of the coaches and players all week long. After Thursday's afternoon practice Rivals.com caught up with him and Gordon updated his recruitment, he named a leader and has set up a new official visit for January 28.

"Right now I would say that there is an 85 percent chance that I will end up committing to Miami at some point," Gordon said. "I have a few concerns with them like the fact that there is a lot of talk about coach Shannon leaving. It would really be great to stay close to home and play for the hometown team where my parents can come see me and all. I mean Miami just has such a great reputation with tight ends and all, it's a great situation."

The 6-foot-4, 263-pound Gordon ran the 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds at the Miami Nike camp and the shuttle in 4.78 seconds. He did 20 reps on the bench press and posted a 26-inch vertical jump.

"I am starting to like Tennessee and Georgia a lot now too," Gordon said. "I don't know much about those schools, but I would definitely be interested in taking an official visit to them. A lot of guys I talk to from down here always have great things to say about those two schools. Georgia has been recruiting me really hard lately and I really like their coaches. It isn't as close to home as a Miami, but it's close enough where my family could come and see me play and stuff."

Gordon is ranked as the nation's No. 5 tight end and the No. 20 overall player in Florida. He was an all-area selection as a junior and senior. He set up his third official visit for the final weekend in January.

"I have a visit set up to Florida for January 14, one to Miami for January 21 and I recently set up my official visit to Florida State for January 28," Gordon said. "I'm not sure if I will take any others or not, but I am thinking about trying to set something up with Georgia."