Iowa picked up a new commit this weekend on while Melvin Gordon was visiting Iowa City. Gordon is the 14th player in Iowa's 2011 recruiting class, the first running back, and the 10th projected to play on offense. He is rated 3-stars by both Scout and Rivals.

Gordon in High School

Melvin Gordon currently attends Bradford High School in Kenosha, WI. As a junior, Gordon helped lead his team to an 11-1 season that ended in the state quarter-finals. The Red Devils run a flexbone offense similar to what Iowa faced in the Orange Bowl against Georgia Tech with a little less "option" in it. Gordon played a slotback in the offense, kind of a tight end/running back combo that often goes in motion to take a pitch from the quarterback.  He also returned kicks for the Red Devils.

Stats:
  • Rushing - 99 rushes, 1061 yards, 11 TDs
  • Receiving - 11 receptions, 271 yards, 4 TDs

Video!

From his highlight video, Gordon looks like a very quick back. He's able to beat defenders to the outside and then spring down the sideline. He also looks pretty good in traffic though, making guys miss. He seems to have pretty good vision too, finding holes in the defensive secondary and making cutbacks all the way across the field.

Gordon looks like a good addition to this class, which needed a running back. He told @HawkeyeReport the number of running backs in this class will depend on Wegher's status. I think the coaches should go out and get another one, just to be safe.