2018 Freedom Bowl

Iowa-Bound RB Tyler Goodson Is A Big Problem For Opposing Defenses

Iowa-Bound RB Tyler Goodson Is A Big Problem For Opposing Defenses

Defending AAAAAAA Georgia state champion North Gwinnett will rely heavily on three-star all-purpose back Tyler Goodson at the Freedom Bowl.

Aug 6, 2018 by Kolby Paxton
BOOTLEG (Episode 4)

Tyler Goodson is too small.

At least, that’s what some college coaches have apparently been telling North Gwinnett (GA) offensive coordinator Stephen Jackson.

Goodson is also being compared to LeVeon Freaking Bell by Jackson and is being widely viewed as the next Akrum Wadley by those associated with the University of Iowa—a program that didn’t think he was too slight or too anything, aside from too awesome to overlook.

Still, according to Jackson, North Gwinnett’s three-star all-purpose back has been passed over by programs in the SEC and ACC over an inch and five pounds.

For the record, Goodson isn’t Darren Sproles. He’s 5-10, 190 pounds and he runs heavy when he has to.

Exhibit A:


“I’ve had a couple of schools play me. I’ve had a couple of schools saying they would offer me, come down in the spring, come look at me, come see what I do from there,” said Goodson. “And then they go and say they’re waiting on another back to see what they’re going to do about me.”

The great philosopher DJ Khaled frequently barks at no one in particular, “Don’t ever play yourself.”

It seems these unnamed coaches in the southeastern region of the U.S. would have been well served to heed the record producer’s advice. Because, on Tuesday, July 3, when Goodson committed to Iowa, the door was slammed on any lingering doubt.

“When I went up there, it felt like home,” Goodson says of Iowa. “Coach Ferentz and I have a good relationship. We sat down, he brought me through the statistics of the school and what it has become. He’s a great guy. A family dude. That’s very important to me.

“He takes care of you. He loves his players. And he knows how to win.”

Ferentz had help securing the services of Goodson, of course. Goodson’s former high school teammate and current Iowa outside linebacker Jayden McDonald has been particularly instrumental in selling the program.

“He loves (Iowa),” Goodson said. “It’s not a program that will just let you mess around. It’s really like the school I’m at now. Workouts are a little more intense. It’s just a higher level.”

Another selling point for Goodson? The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Goodson, who is particularly interested in children with special needs, says he was touched by the now-famous wave to the hospital from the fans inside of Kinnick Stadium.


Next fall, Goodson will join them. But, for now, he will look to carry North Gwinnett to its second consecutive state title—a mission that will be a bit more complicated to navigate in ultra-competitive Georgia without a returning starter at quarterback.

“It’s definitely going to be a challenge, but offseason workouts have been more intense. Nobody works as hard as we do,” Goodson says. “Coach Stewart does a good job of working us and making sure we’re focused. The state championship is in the past and the future is winning another one.”

It’s a title defense that will begin with a marquee matchup against powerhouse Brookwood (GA) on Aug. 18 before Goodson and the Bulldogs make the short trip to Milton (GA) High School for the inaugural Freedom Bowl, during which they’ll meet highly-touted Wekiva (FL)—a game that will be streamed live on FloFootball.

First and foremost, Goodson says he’s laser focused on the immediate task ahead. But he’s aware of the reputation of a Wekiva defense led by linebacker Rian Davis. No doubt, Davis and Wekiva are also very aware of Goodson. 

After all, there’s nothing “small” about the problems he causes opposing defenses.