Big Ten Network is very high on Iowa football true freshman running back Tyler Goodson and indicates that he will see significant playing time.
For a freshman to get significant playing time in a Kirk Ferentz led Iowa football team, you know he has to be special. However, what can quickly end those hopes of making an impact is making mistakes in key situations (see Jonathan Parker in 2014).
That being said, Hawkeye fans should be really excited about Tyler Goodson, the former North Gwinnett High School standout.
The three-star running back came in ranked in as the 43rd best running back in the country but Big Ten Network’s Gerry DiNardo says he’s being disrespected with that ranking.
"“He’s got it all,” Big Ten Network Analyst Gerry DiNardo said during the signing day special. “He’s going to play next year, he’s going to break records. I love this guy. He’s got great vision and you look at his moves. He’s got it all– he’s my sleeper guy. He’s way underrated at three stars.”"
Sure, Mekhi Sargent and Toren Young figure to be the primary backs in Brian Ferentz’ offensive scheme but Goodson can certainly make his way into the conversation. Right now, Ivory Kelly-Martin looks to be the third-string running back but he faded down the stretch last season due to a combination of injuries and key mistakes (i.e. fumbling against Northwestern).
Henry Geil and Samson Evans were not listed on the 110-man fall camp roster which, if history has indicated anything, indicates they are transferring out of the program. This leaves the door wide open for another young running back to step up in their place and no one should be surprised if Goodson plays in more than 4 games this season, forfeiting his redshirt.
Brandon Wegher was really the last true freshman Iowa running to have a huge impact, rushing for 641 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2009. Let’s just hope Tyler Goodson’s fate turns out a little better than Wegher’s.