Patience paid off for University of Central Arkansas senior wide receiver Roman Gordon.
After redshirting his freshman season at UCA, his career began in 2014 under then first-year head Coach Steve Campbell. Gordon stood in line for the next three seasons behind UCA's record-setting receivers Desmond Smith and Jatavious Wilson, both of whom completed their college careers in 2016.
Smith is first on UCA's career list for receptions and receiving yards. Wilson is seventh and fourth, respectively, and holds UCA's record for career all-purpose yards.
As a redshirt freshman, Gordon played in three games and did not catch a pass. He caught three as a sophomore in 2015 and 17 last season.
Through seven games this season, Gordon leads UCA with 25 receptions for 493 yards and 6 touchdowns.
No. 4 UCA and Gordon's eighth game comes today against McNeese State at Estes Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
McNeese State (6-1, 4-1 Southland), like UCA (6-1, 5-0), has won six consecutive games after a loss in its season-opener.
"I know they're thinking that if they can come in here and win the football game, they'll put themselves right back in contention for the conference championship," Campbell said. "This is a big game for us."
Gordon sounds confident.
"Coach is giving them a lot of credit, but to me, they're the next team on the schedule," he said. "They're a good team, but we're who we are for a reason. I'm not putting anybody ahead of us."
Campbell said Gordon's performance this season has not surprised him.
"Roman has really been an unselfish football player in waiting his turn," Campbell said. "He has always done what we've asked him to do.
"When he wasn't getting the ball thrown his way, he was doing a lot of the dirty work, the blocking, the covering kicks, the blocking on kickoff returns, whatever we needed, but we always knew Roman had the ability. He's always been a very hard worker. He just needed the opportunity."
Gordon's number was called on the first play from scrimmage in UCA's 45-17 victory at Northwestern (La.) State last Saturday. UCA sports information director Steve East said Campbell told him shortly before game time that a big opening play was in the works.
"He said, 'There's a good chance someone's going to score a touchdown,' '' East said.
Razzle-dazzle rarely applies to UCA's offense, but the reverse flea-flicker in which sophomore running back Carlos Blackman took a handoff from senior quarterback Hayden Hildebrand, pitched back to senior receiver Brandon Cox, who in turn pitched to Hildebrand set up the play perfectly. Hildebrand then passed deep to Gordon on a sideline route. Gordon had cleared his coverage, and he made the catch and ran into the end zone to complete the 81-yard play.
"We wanted to start fast and have a lot of energy early, so we started off with that reverse pass," Campbell said. "Hayden did a great job, made a great throw. Roman made a great catch and was able to get us in the end zone to give us some energy early."
Gordon said Campbell told the team about the play two days before the game.
"I was excited," he said. "That play is either hit or miss, and it hit. The cornerback and safety on my side both went with Brandon, and as soon as I saw both of them come down, I just took off, and Hayden saw me, and I was thinking, 'Just catch it. Just catch it.' ''
Gordon had 6 catches for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns in the game.
"Roman has played extremely well this year," Campbell said. "He had a great spring. He had an outstanding offseason and summer, and he's put himself in a position to have a great senior year."
Today’s Southland Conference game
MCNEESE STATE
AT CENTRAL ARKANSAS
WHEN 6 p.m.
WHERE Turpin Stadium
RECORDS UCA 6-1, 5-0 Southland; MSU 6-1, 4-1
COACHES Steve Campbell (29-14 in fourth season at UCA, 56-22 in sixth season overall); Lance Guidry (12-6 in second season at MSU, 13-7 in third season overall)
SERIES Tied 5-5
LAST MEETING 2016: UCA 35, MSU 0 RADIO KUCA-FM, 91.3, in Conway; KKPT-FM, 94.1, in Little Rock
INTERNET ucasports.com/KUCA
WHEN UCA HAS THE BALL Expect sophomore running back Carlos Blackman and freshman running back Kierre Crossley to lead the Bears’ running attack. Through seven games, Crossley leads UCA with an average of 71.1 yards a game. Blackman has rushed for an average of 61.9 yards a game and has 6 touchdowns on the ground. Senior quarterback Hayden Hildebrand directs UCA’s offense. He has thrown for 17 touchdowns and averages 275.1 yards a game. He has completed 67.4 percent of his attempts and leads the Southland Conference in passing efficiency. Senior receivers Roman Gordon and Brandon Cox lead UCA in catches with 26 and 25, respectively.
WHEN MSU HAS THE BALL Expect a balanced offense led by junior quarterback James Tabary, who has passed for 16 touchdowns and an average of 232.0 yards a game. Sophomore Justin Pratt leads MSU in rushing at 75.0 yards a game. Junior David Hamm has rushed for 65.4 yards a game. He averages 6.1 yards a carry and has scored 4 touchdowns. Senior receiver Kent Shelby has caught 32 passes for 396 yards and 3 touchdowns.
WHAT’S AT STAKE UCA would remain the only undefeated team in Southland Conference play with a victory.
Sports on 10/28/2017