Gordinier (6-4, 235) redshirted last season as he worked with the scout team and second team at middle linebacker.
Now with a new UM coaching staff, Gordinier has started spring football as the starting middle linebacker. Gordinier is currently ahead of Mike Smith, Terry McCray, and Shaquille Quarterman on the middle linebacker depth chart.
“I really worked hard in the offseason,” Gordinier said. “This new strength staff has done a great job of helping us get stronger and improve our conditioning. There is a lot of competition at MIKE right now, but I am running with the first team.”
“I love the scheme,” Gordinier said.” Everybody is out here working hard and playing fast and having fun again. Right now the defense is simpler because we are just getting started and we are learning the basics of the defense. For now though, it seems simpler.”
Gordinier says the defense is also working to improve the effort they play with as well.
“A lot of people think the change is all about the scheme and how we are going to be running a 4-3 now, but really we are focused on fixing two things. We want to get better at running to the ball and tackling,” Gordinier said.
Gordinier says the culture has changed at Miami this offseason with a new coaching staff.
“I would say right now everybody is having fun and there is a lot more energy,” Gordinier said. “That is something that I like seeing. It comes from the whole coaching staff and all the work we put in during the offseason.”
Gordinier used his redshirt season to improve his preparation process and gain a better understanding of what it will take to succeed on the college level.
Now that hard work is paying off.
“The main thing I learned was how to read the offense,” Gordinier said. “I also had to learn how to watch a lot of film. Preparing is a big thing at this level, so when I get on the field I will not be confused and I will know exactly what is coming my way.”
