After spending most of his football life in Teyo Johnson’s shadow, former Mariner High School star Amon Gordon is finally branching out on his own.
Gordon, who was a teammate of Johnson’s at two different high schools as well as Stanford University, is enjoying his first NFL training camp in Berea, Ohio.
A fifth-round draft choice of the Cleveland Browns, Gordon is battling to make the roster of a team that already has three former first-round picks among its defensive lineman.
“I’ve come in with the mindset that I’m going to work hard every day and try to turn the coaches’ heads,” said Gordon, a 6-foot-2, 305-pound defensive tackle. “Find your niche and make your mark. That’s all I’m focusing on right now.”
Finding his niche has taken longer than expected. A high school fullback, Gordon went to Stanford as a linebacker but eventually moved to defensive end. Having bulked up last fall, Gordon moved inside to defensive tackle. This marks only his second year at the position.
“There are a few fundamental things they still want me to do at the position,” Gordon said. “I’m far from being an All-Pro, but I’m still working hard and trying to make the most of my opportunity.”
Gordon opted for the NFL draft following his junior year at Stanford, despite the fact that he had limited experience playing defensive tackle. He was not invited to the scouting combine, but showed enough at a Stanford’s pro day that the Browns took him in the fifth round of the April draft.
He was slowed by a high ankle sprain early in camp, but has since returned to the field with the No. 3 defense. He is by no means a lock to make the roster, but Gordon is happy just to get the opportunity.
“The system fits my style, and the coaching is great here,” Gordon said. “If you put in your work, you’ll definitely have an opportunity to play. They groom you to have that opportunity.
“It’s really all on me, and I like it that way.”
Johnson, Gordon’s former high school and college teammate, was a second-round pick of the Oakland Raiders last year and is making an impression at training camp. Gordon, now almost 2,500 miles away, is trying to open some eyes as well.
“I’ve dreamed of being here since I was a youngster,” Gordon said of the NFL. “Now that I’m here, it’s a dream-come-true.”
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