Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Tommy Gooden, RB, Jackson State

NFL Draft Diamonds Spotlight Interview: Tommy Gooden, RB, Jackson State

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?
Out of high school I was recruited by about 6-8 teams/schools.

How did you come to make your college decision?
My recruiting visit, my high school coaches, teachers, and parents helped my in deciding which college to attend.

Where are you training, and what are your goals for pro day/combines?
Currently I’m train at my college but I will be down in Tampa, FL starting 1 February 2014. My pro day/combine goals are to run 4.3-.4.4sec. in the 40 yard dash, 38″ in the vertical junk, 10’+ in the broad, at least 25 bench press reps, and sub 4.2sec in the short shuttle.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?
I have talked to many NFL scouts and they were just asking basic questions about my life as a kid and how many brothers and sisters I have. They asked me do I do any drugs and have I ever did drugs. They also ask me to tell them how I got to the point where I am now, from childhood to current state in college.

At your position, what separates you from the others?
At my position what separates my from other is my speed, my ability to accelerate within minimum stride, my vision, my toughness, my blocking skills, and my awareness.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?
When I’m breaking down film I look at alignment and pre snap movement. I look at the D-line alignment to see if the give away when they are stunting and twisting. I look at the line back alignment fro the ball and tendencies they have to give away that they are blitzing. I look at the safeties and the corners alignment to see weather they have tendencies where as the give away cyclones/Blitzes. I look at how the tackle

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?
I don’t even remember a specific player being the toughest player I’ve had to face. I just feel like some times our team wasn’t executing.

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?
If I had to compare my self to one person in the NFL it would have to be Frank Gore.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle in my life has to be …………….. I don’t even know. I have had many problems in life but I think I have a very strong mind because I don’t let anything get to me and I’m always thinking positive.

What system fits your style of play the best?
I can play in any system. I’m versatile enough to adjust and adapt with ease.

What is your biggest strength?
My biggest strength would have to be speed+size+mental capacity.

What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness would have to be flexibility, but I’m working on it.

If I were a GM and gave you a minute to sell yourself, what would you say?
I’m the best ever. I’m the most brutal and vicious, and most ruthless champion there’s ever been.
There’s no one can stop me. 
There’s never been anybody as ruthless! 
There’s no one like me..
There’s no one that can match me. My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable, and I’m just ferocious.

Growing up, who was your role model?
Growing up my role model was The Rock and later it become Adrian Peterson….. and Mike Tyson

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?
My Favorite football teams has to be the 49ers and the Viking because I like to see Frank Gore and AP play.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?
If I was to have a dinner with three people dead or alive it would have to be Mike Tyson, My mother and Adrian Peterson

What would you buy with your first NFL paycheck?
With my first NFL check I would probably buy a house for my mother myself and my family.