Matthew Gordon Class: Sophomore Hometown: Birmingham, Ala. High School: Briarwood Christian Height / Weight: 6-1 / 190 Position: FS

Furman: Heads into the 2009 season in a new position, free safety, after making the move from wide receiver in the spring...listed the backup to projected starter Nathan Wade...expected to compete for playing time...versatile player who also has experience handling kickoffs. 2008 -- Began his inaugural season as a redshirt candidate at wide receiver but got the call for action following a season ending knee injury to R.J. Webb...ended up seeing action in 10 games...caught five passes for 31 yards...collected a pair of receptions for 14 yards against Samford (28-27 win) in his hometown...added four tackles on special teams...had one kickoff covering 56 yards versus 6th-ranked Delaware (23-21 win).

High School: 2008 graduate of Briarwood Christian (5A) School, which also produced 2007 Paladin All-Southern Conference tight end Larry Hedden...football coach was Fred Yancey...played wide receiver, safety, and also saw duty as a placekicker and kick return specialist...2007 Alabama Sportswriters Association first team all-state pick as a wide receiver...totaled 1,300 yards in receptions, 20 touchdown receptions, 150 tackles, and eight interceptions -- five of which he returned for touchdowns -- and seven field goals in two seasons of play at Briarwood Christian...as a senior caught 37 passes for 1,107 yards and 18 touchdowns in helping his squad to a 14-1 season and state runner-up finish...also tallied 55 tackles and two interceptions...recorded a monster game in a 42-0 win over Butler with four receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns, 98-yard interception return for a score, two forced fumbles and fumble recoveries, and three PAT conversions...had an 88-yard touchdown catch and 46-yard field goal in a 38-0 victory over Moody...also ran track.

Personal: Full name is Matthew Morris Gordon...son of Pat and Ovida Gordon...born August 22, 1989, in Birmingham, Alabama...has a brother, Patrick, and sister, Rebecca...undeclared major.