B.J. Goodson began his football career in the small town of Lamar, S.C. Having some of the biggest hits they had seen on his highlight tapes, the Clemson coaches knew Goodson was going to be a huge asset to the team.
Goodson, the No. 20 player in the nation coming out of high school by Rivals.com and No. 29 outside linebacker by ESPN, did not let his small-town mentality stand in the way. He proved his worth and eventually worked his way to the top of the Clemson defense.
“I had the chance to see guys like Tig Willard come from little small towns and do well. Getting the chance to see him succeed was good motivation for me, especially considering I was coming out of Lamar,” Goodson said.
Surrounded by four- and five-star linebackers, the three-star recruit knew he had to develop a mindset that would allow him to be an every-down player.
Going beyond his expectations, Goodson became one of Clemson’s most versatile players, playing all three linebacker positions.
“It’s not necessarily the workout as much as it’s the mindset. The mindset has to change and that starts with me. Look in the mirror and start with yourself,” Goodson said.
Named the ACC player of the week following the Tigers’ win over No. 6 Notre Dame, the small-town linebacker did just that.
Wrapping up and bringing down whoever was in his path, the starting middle linebacker led the team with 153 tackles in 2015.
Now that he has graduated and his career at Clemson is over, the second-team All-ACC linebacker looks to continue to make a name for himself in the NFL. Goodson’s goal is to become the second linebacker from little ole Lamar to make it big in the NFL, joining former Clemson great Levon Kirkland, his childhood idol.
Kirkland, now the linebackers coach for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, played 11 years in the NFL, 10 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. At one point, Kirkland was the highest paid middle linebacker in the history of the game.
If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.
