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2009 OUTLOOK One of the most exciting all-around athletes who joined Mizzou as part of its highly-touted 2008 signing class ... Spent his first year in the Tiger program as a redshirt, and is ready to hit the field in 2009, where he'll look to establish himself as part of the linebacking corps this ... That's a new position for him, as he moved there after the conclusion of spring ball, after working at safety in his first year with the program ... Begins fall drills listed as No. 2 on the depth chart at the strongside linebacker position ... Had 3 tackles in the spring game from the safety position ... Wore #40 his first year in the program, but was awarded the #25 jersey prior to fall camp, and he will wear this number the rest of his playing days, in honor of former Tiger Aaron O'Neal, who passed away in July of 2005 after a voluntary conditioning workout ... O'Neal wore #25, and would have graduated with the 2008 senior class ... After members of the senior class of 2008 took turns wearing O'Neal's jersey in each game last season, it was decided that his memory would continue to be honored by awarding the number to a freshman linebacker who would wear it the rest of his Tiger career ... Gooden is the first recipient of this honor.
2008 SEASON Showed his considerable athletic skills on a daily basis in practice, working hard as part of the Tiger defensive scout team, while working hard in the strength program ... Twice was named the defense's Back-Up Player of the Week - for his efforts in practice prior to Mizzou's games against Oklahoma State and Kansas.
High School Was also a standout running back for Pflugerville, as he rushed for 1,128 yards and 9 TDs ... Played a major role on his team which went 12-4 in 2007 and finished as 5A state runners up ... Won district all-purpose player of the year honors in 2007, and was also a 1st-Team All-District safety and 2nd-Team All-District running back ... Had 2 INTs and a fumble recovery on defense ... Was a 2nd-Team All-District defensive back as a junior in 2006 ... Also rushed for 800 yards and 10 TDs on offense ... Notched 50 tackles and added 2 INTs and a forced fumble on defense as a sophomore for Pflugerville ... Also starred in track, running on his team's sprint relay and mile relay squads which have qualified for regionals each year ... Has a 400-meter personal best of 48 seconds ... High school coach - George Herrman ... Personal Parents Maury & Tonia Gooden ... Has an interest in studying entrepreneurship in MU's College of Business ... Lists hobbies as football, basketball, bowling and track ... Spent time volunteering in his local PALS program, as well as the Ready, Set, Teach program ... Chose Mizzou over Oklahoma, Purdue, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Texas Tech and Iowa State, among others ... Indicated that the family atmosphere he experienced from the Mizzou coaches, players and Columbia community were a big factor in his choosing MU ... MU primary recruiting coach - Brian Jones. |
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