Football: Gorman Looks To Lead Rogers Heritage Defense

ROGERS -- Collin Gorman will be counted on to supply something that's lacking on the Rogers Heritage defense -- experience.

The senior defensive end understands that role and is ready to embrace it as the War Eagles open the season Friday night by hosting Olathe (Kan.) North in Gates Stadium.

"I want to try to lead guys in the right direction," he said. "We have guys who don't have Friday night experience. It's definitely a different speed from practice to Friday night. I just want to try to encourage them and be a team leader."

Gorman will be the only returning full-time starter on defense when the War Eagles take the field on Friday.

He still recalls his first Friday night as a starter a year ago.

"Oh I was nervous the first few plays definitely," he said. "But after that I settled in.

Heritage coach Perry Escalante said Gorman isn't particularly vocal, but lets his play do the talking.

"He's not a rah-rah type guy, but works hard in the weight room," Escalante said. "He hustles and knows what to do and where to be. We ask our ends to play physical, squeeze hard down inside. He's figured out we expect big things from him. "

Escalante said he could see Gorman's potential even as a sophomore as a junior varsity player.

"You could see even then he had the physical attributes to be a good defensive end," Wilson said.

Heritage defensive line coach Paul Wilson said the 6-foot-2, 216-pound Gorman improved steadily last season and matured physically and mentally.

"He's become very coachable," Wilson said. "He plays a little more under control, which is important."

Gorman's role as the rush end in the Heritage defensive scheme may not be to make the tackle, but that's doesn't mean it's not important.

"His job was more to flush guys toward our anchor end, " Wilson said. "He's fast and did and did a good job with that. He's making the play happen. He's making sure someone else can make the play because of what he's doing in terms of rush."

Gorman enjoyed a solid junior season statistically with 52 tackles (35 solos), but also made an impact with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a quarterback sack and a pass breakup.

But Gorman has become more interchangeable and even played the anchor end spot during the scrimmage against Van Buren last week when projected starter Jed Wilson was sidelined with an ankle injury, Wilson said.

"He can do both," Wilson said. "He's a good athlete and he can help them at times on offense at tight end or receiver."

Gorman said he's worked in the offseason in the weight room to get stronger and to improve his technique.

"I wanted to work on firing off the ball and using my hands more," he said. "Coming straight down the line and taking on those pullers. I understand I'm trying to direct the running back or quarterback to the other end. Hopefully I can come across the field and make a tackle occasionally.

"I'm just trying to do my job."

Sports on 09/04/2014