Mike Goodson, RB

Once called the "future of the team" by coach Mike Sherman, Goodson left the university after his junior year under mysterious circumstances. The talented running back could possibly shift to wide receiver at the next level, but injuries and problems with the coaching staff caused the player and team to part ways quietly. No announcement was made of his decision to apply for the 2009 NFL Draft, as he just showed up on the list of players who were leaving school early in January.

At his season-ending press conference, Aggies coach Mike Sherman hardly wanted to discuss why Goodson wouldn't be back, and why a year ago Sherman had said he wanted to build the offense around Goodson. "We wanted to, but we didn't," said Sherman, whose first team finished 4-8. "We tried to, but it just didn't happen." Sherman said in December that he didn't expect the junior tailback to return to the Aggies for his senior season. The coach wouldn't elaborate but said it was because of a "combination of things."

Goodson was a finalist for the 2005 Houston Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Year Award. The Klein High School running back was named to Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine Super Team and was rated the third-best prospect in the nation by Super Prep. He was named first-team All-District 14-5A and honorable mention All-State as a senior, receiving the same honors as a running back and return specialist during his junior season.

Goodson rushed for 973 yards on only 99 carries (9.8 avg) as a senior, playing in the U.S. Army All-American Game after his final campaign. As a junior, he accounted for more than 1,800 yards, including 1,152 yards on 101 rushing attempts (11.4 avg) and 14 touchdowns. He also returned two punts (65 and 57 yards) and two kicks (96 and 86 yards) for touchdowns that season.

In 2006, Goodson enrolled at Texas A&M, where he was selected the Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year by the Austin American-Statesman. He also garnered All-Big 12 honorable mention, as he led the team in rushing with 847 yards and four touchdowns on 127 carries (6.7 avg), despite starting just one game. He also grabbed 17 passes for 113 yards (6.6 avg) in 13 contests. In the Holiday Bowl vs. California, he gained 62 yards on the ground before he was sidelined by a left knee injury.

Goodson started six of the 13 contests he appeared in during his sophomore campaign. Part of a three-member running back committee, he raced for 711 yards and four scores on 153 carries (4.6 avg). He finished second on the team with 361 yards and four touchdowns on 36 receptions (10.0 avg), proving to be more than a capable receiver when flexed out wide. However, he missed a practice before the Oklahoma game and the coaches did not let him play in the first half.

Goodson's production continued to regress in 2008. He was limited to six carries vs. New Mexico after spraining his right knee and eventually sat out two other contests. He finished the season with 406 yards and five touchdowns on 94 carries, but gained only 74 yards and one touchdown in his last five contests. He continued to excel as a receiver, though, catching 37 passes for 386 yards (10.4 avg) and three scores.

Positives: Lean, athletic build, but one that seems better suited to wide receiver in the NFL. Rare speed and agility. Quick to and through the hole. Can make defenders miss in tight spaces and flashes exceptional elusiveness in the open field. Rare balance and the ability to cut at top speed in either direction. Experienced receiver out of the backfield. Runs with functional power, despite less than ideal strength, as he keeps his legs churning and spins out of tackles. A threat to go the distance every time he has the ball in his hands. Lacks experience as a special teams returner, but has the potential to be a standout in this area -- much like former Aggie Dante Hall.

Negatives: Lacks the bulk to be an every-down back. Marginal leg drive for short-yardage situations. Undeniable athleticism, but Goodson's production dropped in each of his three seasons with the Aggies -- and it can't be blamed on just touches as his yards per carry also dropped each year. Legitimate intangible red flags regarding his struggles to coexist with former Texas A&M head coach R.C. Slocum and his staff, as well as current head coach Mike Sherman and his staff, especially considering that Sherman publicly touted Goodson as the player the offense would be centered around when he took the position. Scouts will also question Goodson's toughness after he missed time with sprains in his neck, groin and right knee since last spring.

GENERAL REPORT: GRADE: 5.26

Body Structure: Goodson has a trim, athletic upper body frame with lean muscle development. His lower body shows decent thickness in the thighs and calves. He has added more than 20 pounds of bulk to his frame the past year and evident by his 40-yard dash time, it did not affect his impressive quickness.

Athletic Ability: Goodson is an all-around athlete with a lean frame that appears he will be destined to be a better fit as a receiver at the next level. He has durability concerns and does let minor injuries linger. He is quick and explosive with his long speed, but has just marginal strength, making him a liability as an inside runner. He has good change of direction agility and shows very good quickness out of his stance, along with the sudden burst to elude defenders turning the corner. He is best working off tackle, as he lacks the wiggle and leg drive to take the ball inside. He has very good hands and receiving ability. There has been some thought to lining him up as a flanker rather than running back, as he lacks the size and ideal strength to absorb punishment running up the middle. GRADE: 6.8

Football Sense: Goodson seems to have good field vision, but tends to lose focus quite a bit. He struggles with a complicated playbook and has had issues with the last two coaching staffs. He has impressive athletic ability, but must show that his concentration lapses are just a product of youth. GRADE: 5.0

Character: Goodson left school early and the coaching staff seemed relieved by his decision. He has had problems with both of his head coaches and is perceived as a player that is not willing to conform, raising some red flags that will affect his overall draft stock. GRADE: 4.5

Competitiveness: Goodson needs to be involved in the action, as he does not do the little extras when his number is not called. The previous staff wanted to use him on special teams, but he refused to handle that assignment. He is the type of player that needs structure and with his statistics regressing each year, a team that wants him will draft him on athleticism and not on production. GRADE: 5.0

Work Habits: Goodson added 20 pounds of bulk to his frame and maintained his overall quickness, but you can see with his frame that lifting is not one of his favorite offseason activities. He has had injury problems, but there is more concern that he will not play with pain. GRADE: 5.0

ATHLETIC REPORT: GRADE: 5.78

Initial Quickness: Goodson has very good quickness coming out of his stance and can be sudden when he keeps his pads down. He becomes even quicker once he is on the move and shows very good suddenness in his plant and drive. He shies away from return duties, but with his burst and slight frame he could become a very effective receiver at the next level. GRADE: 7.5

Acceleration/Burst: Goodson has that sudden burst to escape the crowd and does a very good job of accelerating away from the second-level opponents, showing good balance when changing his angle. With his top-end speed, he can be flexed out as a receiver, where he seems more comfortable playing on the outside rather than doing the grunt work inside. GRADE: 7.3

Instincts/Balance: Goodson has good balance turning the corner. He has that second gear to eat up the cushion and get behind defenders on pass routes, making him a better fit on the flank than as a tailback. What makes some be concerned about him as a runner is the fact that he does not always see the initial running lane, but once he finds it he can recognize threats. But his instincts, especially when knowing when to use his pick-and-slide, is erratic. GRADE: 5.1

Inside Running: Goodson runs with good balance, but lacks the leg drive and upper body strength to push the pile. He will go down vs. initial contact and is prone to coughing up the ball when tackled hard. Because he does not always see the crease, using him as an inside runner could become a liability. GRADE: 4.5

Outside Running: This is where Goodson's speed needs to be better utilized. He shows the sudden burst and body control to turn the corner and does a nice job when having to change direction and angle. Once he reaches the corner, he is a threat to take the ball to the house. GRADE: 6.3

Elusiveness: Goodson is more of an explosive runner who uses his speed to separate rather than execute a bunch of moves. There is not much hip wiggle or shake to him, but he has that plant-and-drive skill to leave defenders behind. You can't really call him a water bug, but he has the quick change of direction agility to cut and elude in the open. GRADE: 6.3

Tackle-Breaking Strength: One look at his weight room figures tell the story why he should not be an inside runner. He will go down from arm tackles, but will show some flash and lower his pads downfield. GRADE: 4.6

Tendency to Fumble: If a defender hits him with force, Goodson will lose the ball. He tries to cover it up moving through tight areas, as he appears to have a firm grip and does not carry it loose. This leads one to believe that it is his lack of strength that will lead to fumbles and not poor ball security execution. GRADE: 5.0

Receiving Skills: Goodson has natural hands, great leaping ability and will not hesitate to compete for the ball at its high point. He is a quick, crisp route runner who shows the suddenness to separate after the catch. He brings more value to a team in the slot or lined wide rather than carrying the ball. GRADE: 6.7

Route Running: Goodson is used a lot on screens and flares, but he has the speed to get positive yardage after the catch. He shows ease of movement adjusting to the ball in flight and does not use his body as a crutch. He will do a consistent job of catching outside his framework and does a really nice job of turning and snatching off-target throws. GRADE: 6.3

Blocking Ability: There is little face-up desire or power behind his hand punch and he appears very hesitant to stalk second-level defenders. He just seems to be the type that will shy away from contact. GRADE: 4.0

Compares To: JERIOUS NORWOOD, Atlanta -- Goodson might be better served moving to the receiving unit, where his speed and burst can be better utilized. He is not the most durable tailback and certainly not the strongest. He has had issues with two coaching staffs and bolted the team to test his wares in the NFL, but he does not appear to be anything more than a third-down option. His lack of desire to play on special teams is not going to see him embraced by his next coach.

OVERALL GRADE: 5.68

--Report by Dave-Te' Thomas.

Goodson started 14 of 36 games at Texas A&M, rushing 374 times for 1,964 yards (5.25 avg) and 13 touchdowns … His 1,974 yards rank 17th on the school career record list … His 80-yard run from scrimmage vs. Oklahoma State in 2008 rank 14th on the school record list and was the Aggies' longest rush from scrimmage since Courtney Lewis gained 86 yards vs. Baylor in 2003 … Also caught 90 passes for 860 yards (9.56 avg) and seven scores … His 90 receptions rank 12th in A&M history … Scored 120 points, returned one punt 10 yards and recorded three tackles (2 solos) … Gained 2,834 all-purpose yards, an average of 78.72 yards per game.

Played in 10 games, starting seven contests … Sat out the Iowa State and Colorado clashes with a right knee sprain that he originally suffered in the Aggies' second game of the '08 campaign vs. New Mexico … Led the team with 406 yards on 94 carries (4.3 avg), including five touchdowns … Caught 37 passes for 386 yards (10.4 avg) and three scores … His 80-yard run vs. Oklahoma State and 62-yard reception vs. Miami were the team's longest plays for the season … Turned the ball over once on two fumbles … Had a 10-yard punt return and recorded two solo tackles, including one each vs. Oklahoma State and Army … Scored 48 points and generated 802 all-purpose yards.

Arkansas State … Goodson began the season with his third career 100-yard rushing performance, amassing 124 yards on 24 attempts with two touchdowns, as he also added 30 yards on six receptions, but turned the ball over once on a fumble … He slipped around the corner to cap a 7-play, 69-yard first quarter series with a 9-yard scoring scamper … In the second stanza, his 9-yard touchdown run concluded a 12-play, 77-yard possession.

New Mexico … The tailback saw limited action, gaining 9 yards on six rushes, as he fumbled once before leaving the game with a right knee sprain.

Miami … Goodson rushed twelve times for 67 yards and snared four passes for 79 yards, including a pair of touchdowns … He opened the game's scoring by running under a 62-yard bomb for a score on the first drive of the game … His 62-yarder was the longest reception by an Aggie in 2008 … With 0:13 left in the third quarter, he pulled down a bubble screen for a 1-yard score.

Army … The junior was limited to 20 yards on eleven carries, but he did add 26 yards on five catches.

Oklahoma State … Goodson only carried the ball eight times, but he amassed 112 yards on the ground, including an 80-yard touchdown jaunt … He also made three catches for 16 yards.

Kansas State … Goodson picked up 36 yards on six rushes and 30 yards on a pair of receptions, including a 23-yard touchdown with 4:37 left in the game … He also had a 10-yard punt return.

Texas Tech … The tailback caught a career-high nine passes for 62 yards, but was held to 18 yards on eight carries … Scored on a 1-yard rushing attempt with 1:54 left in the first half.

Baylor … Limited to six rushing attempts for 6 yards, Goodson had better success as a receiver, hauling in three passes for 77 yards.

Texas … Goodson finished his career with just 5 yards on six carries, but he also caught three passes for 61 yards.

Part of a three-player committee at tailback, Goodson started six of the thirteen games he played in … Finished third on the team with 711 yards on 153 carries (4.6 avg) that included four touchdowns … Ranked second on the squad with 36 receptions for 361 yards (10.4 avg) and another four scores … Added an assisted tackle and scored 48 points … Amassed 1,072 all-purpose yards, an average of 82.46 yards per game … Turned the ball over twice on three fumbles.

Montana State … Goodson responded to his season opener start with ten carries for 65 yards and a score, setting up another touchdown drive with a 34-yard rushing attempt.

Fresno State … Added 69 yards on 23 rushes and had a 12-yard touchdown reception on a swing pass from QB Stephen McGee.

Louisiana-Monroe … Goodson gained over 100 yards rushing for the second time as an Aggie, picking up 113 yards on eleven chances that included a second quarter 7-yard scoring scamper.

Baylor … The tailback delivered 60 yards on eleven carries and snared a 58-yard touch-down toss from QB Stephen McGee.

Texas … Generated 72 yards on twelve attempts and hauled in six passes for 82 yards and a pair of touchdowns … He began the game's scoring with a 35-yard touchdown grab and also came up with a 44-yard scoring reception in the final frame.

Penn State (Alamo Bowl) … Rushed fourteen times for 65 yards and caught seven passes for 30 yards, but turned the ball over once on a fumble … Capped a 9-play, 70-yard first quarter series with a 1-yard scoring plunge … On the next possession, the tailback added a 16-yard touchdown jaunt.

Named Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year by the Austin American-Statesman … Earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors from the conference coaches … Despite starting just one game (the Holiday Bowl), Goodson led the team with a career-high 847 yards that included four touchdowns on 127 carries (6.7 avg) … Placed fifth on the squad with seventeen receptions for 113 yards (6.6 avg) … Generated 960 all-purpose yards, an average of 73.85 yards per game.

Ran for a career high 127 yards on ten carries and caught three passes for 15 yards vs. Oklahoma … Scored on a 41-yard run, as he amassed 86 yards on fifteen attempts vs. Texas … Sealed the Aggies' critical road win at Baylor with a 64-yard touchdown run in the closing minutes, as he finished the day with 96 yards on eight carries … Collected 79 yards on eight rushes in the Kansas clash … Before leaving the Holiday Bowl with a left knee sprain (first thought to be an anterior cruciate ligament tear) vs. California, Goodson picked up 62 yards on thirteen runs and 13 yards on two catches.

2006: Suffered a left knee sprain vs. California in the Holiday Bowl (12/28) … Doctors first feared the injury was a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

2008: Left the New Mexico game (9/06) after only six carries due to a right knee sprain … Sat out the Iowa State (10/25) and Colorado games (11/01) with a knee sprain.

2009: Could not complete agility tests during A&M's Pro Day (3/04) after he tweaked his hamstring.

Combine: 4.46 in the 40-yard dash (4.43 on campus) … 1.49 10-yard dash … (1.53 on campus) … 2.59 20-yard dash (2.54 on campus) … 4.22 20-yard shuttle … 6.89 three-cone drill … 39.5-inch vertical jump … 9'10" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 14 times … 32 1/4-inch arms … 9 7/8-inch hands.

Attended Klein (Texas) High School, playing football for head coach Ronny Feldman … Finalist for the 2005 Houston Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Year Award … Was named to Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine Super Team … Rated the third-best prospect in the nation by Super Prep … Named first-team All-District 14-5A and honorable mention All-State as a senior, receiving the same honors as a running back and return specialist during his junior season … Rushed for 973 yards on only 99 carries (9.8 avg) as a senior, playing in the U.S. Army All-American Game after his final campaign … As a junior, he accounted for more than 1,800 yards, including 1,152 yards on 101 rushing attempts (11.4 avg) and 14 touchdowns … Also returned two punts (65 and 57 yards) and two kicks (96 and 86 yards) for touchdowns that season.

Agriculture and Life Sciences major … Son of Yolanda Pike and Michael Goodson, Sr. … Born Michael Darryl Goodson Jr. on 5/23/87 … Resides in Klein, Texas.