Karson Gordon, a UCLA-bound quarterback, jumper and sprinter from Bellaire Episcopal High in Texas who set the National Federation High School record March 30 in the triple jump with a 53-1.50 (16.19m) third-round effort at the 96th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss his memorable performance and returning to compete April 6 at the 56th Arcadia Invitational at Arcadia High in California. Gordon, who became the 11th male competitor in U.S. prep history to achieve a 53-foot triple jump, eclipsed the NFHS mark of 52-10.50 (16.12m) established in 1980 at the Pacific League final at Arcadia High by Charles Mayfield of John Muir High in Pasadena. He also surpassed the Texas prep all-time mark of 52-1.25 (15.88m) produced in 2007 by Chris Carter from Hearne High. Gordon reflects on his series at Texas Relays and building confidence entering the third round following a pair of 52-foot efforts on his first two attempts. He speaks about how significant it was to secure the Texas and NFHS records in his home state and how meaningful it was to occur at the Texas Relays. Gordon explains how he was able to overcome hamstring strains in both legs and his recovery in preparation for Texas Relays, and expresses gratitude to Billy Voltaire at Volt Performance and Physical Therapy, in addition to Episcopal coach Mylana Hearn, as well as Margaret Glover and TJ Fakehinde with Jumpland Elite for their support, wisdom, insight and perspective. He revisits competing last year at Arcadia and winning the invitational triple jump with a mark of 49-3 (15.01m), despite having to leave the competition to run the 4x100-meter relay following two attempts, then returning in time for the final three rounds. Gordon shares how much American professional athletes Christian Taylor and Will Claye have inspired him during his triple jumping career, and how he is motivated to pursue Claye's meet record at Arcadia of 51-7.50 (15.74m) from 2008. He also looks forward to being able to visit UCLA football spring practice during the trip to Southern California and connecting with new Bruins' head coach DeShaun Foster, along with offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy and quarterbacks coach Tim White. Gordon also highlights how grateful he is to have the opportunity to compete in both sports at UCLA, in addition to being able to jump at the USATF Under-20 Championships in June at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., ahead of summer football practice with UCLA.