Melvin Gordon III

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon admits he was 'terrible' as a rookie

Published Apr. 21, 2016 12:03 p.m. ET

Aaron Torres

When the Chargers drafted Melvin Gordon at No. 15 overall in last year's NFL Draft they hoped they were getting a key cog to play alongside Philip Rivers for years to come, and with good reason. Gordon was a human highlight reel in college, rushing for over 2,500 yards in his junior year in college, finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting to Marcus Mariota.

But while Gordon was truly electric in college, he didn't come anywhere close to transferring it to the NFL as a rookie last season.

That's not just our opinion, but Gordon's too.

Here is his blunt, honest assessment of his rookie year, according to Chargers.com:

"It was terrible," Gordon said. "I was terrible."

It's direct and honest, but in Gordon's defense, it probably isn't quite as bad as he is making it out to be. Gordon did lead the team with 641 yards, although where the problem lies, is that he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry. He also scored a grand total of zero touchdowns, after finding the end zone 29 times in his final year in Madison.

But while Gordon didn't have the rookie season he was hoping for, he's also optimistic that he can get things turned around for 2017.

Unfortunately, my season didn't go the way I wanted it, so I'm extra motivated. I appreciate the fans for hanging with me through the hard times. I appreciate you. And the fans that didn't, I appreciate them too. I'll change minds, and success will definitely feel sweeter after (the last year) I had."

The folks in San Diego hope he's right.

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Melvin Gordon III

Los Angeles Chargers

National Football League