Interview: 3-Star 2021 Warren CB/SS Xamarion Gordon is Impressive Across the Board
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Football fanatics, RNG has one for you. If you are not familiar with the play of Class of 2021 do-everything defender Xamarion Gordon, take the time (Hudl link); you will not be disappointed. The Warren High School defender is a scarce commodity in the football world truly capable of playing corner, safety, nickel, and outside linebacker in any scheme and also lines up at middle linebacker and end on occasion for the Bears (7-3). The play of the 6-2, 190-pound, Downey area product has brought about seven offers from the three-star recruit and has propelled his squad into the Division VI playoffs after going through San Gabriel Valley League competition.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the fastest-rising talents in California’s 2021 class to learn more about his recruiting process and play on the gridiron.
Interview
Xamarion, you are the action hero on the field laying jokers out. I love watching you fly around. What is your mentality or approach to the game?
“When the game starts, I am going off instinct. I am not thinking the game is taking over. That dog mentality comes out.”
Of course, you are playing safety, but your coaches see the impact you can bring to the game lining you up all over the place. Where are you lining up?
“I am lining up at safety, nickel, outside linebacker, corner, end, and middle linebacker.”
Given all that you do, do you have a favorite position on defense?
“I don’t know. It would be a tie between two, corner and safety.”
On your reel, you had a really nice interception taken back to the house. What was it like for you getting that 35-yard or so pick-six?
“It was crazy. My coach told me to back up to six yards after I had been playing at four. I backed up, I was reading the offense, and knew they were about to throw the slant. The quarterback did his RPO (run-pass option), he threw it before he looked, and I was watching their receiver. I saw the quarterback release it and the ball was right there.”
That’s great. This may be hard for you, but which game this season has been your best?
“It is a tie between Downey and Mayfair.”
Why those two games?
“Against Mayfair, I came downhill well. I was playing smart and making adjustments. Against Downey, I was hitting hard. I set the tone for the whole game.”
Since you listed out safety and corner as your favorites, where are you seeing the improvements in your game this season as DB?
“The improvement has been in my cover skills, especially in man-to-man coverage. I have quicker feet and my hips are looser.”
What do you feel are your strengths as a defender?
“I have a good football IQ and I read offenses really well.”
The part where most readers interest perks up – recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Alabama, Stanford, and UCLA.”
Very nice. How many offers are on the table?
“Seven.”
Gordon’s Offers: Arizona State, Colorado, Oklahoma, Oregon State, San Jose State, Utah, and Washington State
Coming up, do you plan on visiting any programs?
“Yes. I have planned visits to UCLA and Colorado.”
When are those two visits?
“UCLA is a game visit this season and Colorado is after the season.”
Moving on to the playoffs. The Bears won the last two games closing the regular season strong, how is the team looking in your view?
“We have grown as a unit and we are getting even closer, that is why we are winning. We are looking good.”
You guys travel to La Serna High School (10-0) on Friday. What is in-store against the Lancers in the opening round of the playoffs?
“This is redemption for us. The first time we played them we were blown out. We will hang and come out hitting.”
Xamarion, it was a lot of fun covering all that you do on the field today. Thank you for your time and I wish you and the team success in the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter/ @shmayraaa; Xamarion Gordon