Melvin Gordon’s Stock on the Rise

Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Speed and Acceleration

Gordon has lightning acceleration to get through holes before they close up and that is how he makes his big plays. His coaches have clocked him in the 4.4s but he looked quicker than fast to me in his record-breaking performance against Nebraska. Well, that is unless Nebraska defensive back Nate Gerry, who hawked him (caught him from behind) twice, runs a 4.2.

But Gordon usually makes it all the way to the house when he breaks one so there isn’t much to worry about there. Acceleration is more important than speed for a running back anyway because it’s often too late when the defense finds you. You don’t have to be a world-class sprinter to be a running back as even Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs was once hawked by Ron Bartell.