Pac-12 breakout star – Arizona State OT, Evan Goodman
Coming out of high school, it seemed as though the sky was the limit for offensive tackle Evan Goodman. The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder was a consensus four-star, top-200 player in the country with offers from nearly everyone in the country, including perennial powers Florida State, LSU and Ohio State. Rather than stay close to home, the Florida native decided to move across the country and suit up for the Arizona State Sun Devils.
When he got to Tempe, things didn’t exactly work out like everyone expected. Instead of stepping into a starting role, Goodman played sparingly as a true freshman and was redshirted as a sophomore. In fact, he didn’t breaking into the starting lineup until his redshirt junior senior after Jamil Douglas was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. But the time has come for Goodman to step up and fulfill his potential.
The Sun Devils will start 2016 with four new faces on the offensive line, as guard Christian Westerman, center Nick Kelly, guard Vi Teofilo and tackle William McGehee, have all departed. Goodman’s the only returning starter from last year, so the pressure’s on him to play well and become the de facto leader of the unit. Early reports out of spring practice suggest that Goodman is up to the challenge, as he’s excelled and is primed to be a breakout start in the Pac-12.
Projecting to the next level, it seems Goodman has a chance to be a coveted player in the NFL. While he lacks the requisite size to play tackle, he has the athleticism and technique to move inside and be an effective guard. He also has the versatility to play multiple positions along the lines, making him a valuable reserve for an NFL team.
This fall when you are watching the Sun Devils, look out for No. 57 protecting the blindside. If he’s doing his job well, you’ll never hear Evan Goodman’s name, but you’ll know he’s finally living up to his potential.
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