Interview: 3-Star 2019 ATH Keithan Gooden Focusing for Bigger Role at Corner for Senior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credits: Raymond Joyce Photography
Twitter: @RJPSports
The water in the Calabasas area of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley must have a secret ingredient that helps produce gifted skill talent. Over the last few years, the Coyotes seemingly produce one top line receiver, corner, and/or running back after another with Class of 2019 athlete Keithan Gooden among the elite. With offseason workouts in full-swing, Gooden is pushing the boundaries of his talents ahead of a big senior season.
Gooden had a semblance of a breakout season in 2017 rushing for a team-high 633 yards off 106 totes with 11 trips into the end zone. The rushing totals may not overwhelm, but again, all were team-highs against Division-II competition and Calabasas High School was a pass-first, second-, and third kind of team under former head coach Casey Clausen. Last year, rising 2020 quarterback Jaden Casey was prolific in the pocket passing for 3,394 yards with 32 scores tossed. The passing attack was another area where the 5-11, 170 pound, athlete made an impact. Gooden hauled in 22 passes for 180 yards with another touchdown on the state sheet.
Gooden took snaps during his junior season in the Coyotes’ secondary accounting for 14 tackles with two passes defended. The three-star recruit will get even more snaps on defense during his senior year adding to his overall recruit-ability among college scouts.
In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with one of California’s top all-around 2019 athletes getting insight on his offseason workouts with a recruiting update.
Interview
Which game was your best game last season?
“The Westlake game (won 52-14).”
What all did you do well in that game to make it your best?
“I showed how athletic I am on the field. And, I played well on both sides of the ball.
If a college coach wanted to see Keithan Gooden’s overall athletic talents and abilities on the field, is there a play from the 2017 season that embodies your play-making abilities?
“Tough question. I think the long 80-yard run verses Valencia (playoffs) would be that play. Valencia was a good team too.”
The Coyotes have changed head coaches this offseason (Chris Claiborne), what type of offense will you guys run in 2018?
“I think we are sticking with the spread, but I think we will run the ball more this year.”
Will there be any changes for you in style of play or what will be asked of you on the field during your senior year?
“They plan on moving me around a little bit more. They are using my flexibility at slot, running back, and at outside receiver.”
Do you plan on playing corner again in 2018?
“I will be playing a lot more at corner this year.”
Are you excited to get more snaps in at corner?
“I am. I am very excited. I think we have a great coaching staff. I am very excited about the new season. I think we will be ready for whatever comes our way this year.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball this offseason?
“I am playing with two teams, ProWay and with my school. Our school team just got top 5 out of 97 teams at a Pylon tournament.”
Nice. How is that helping improve your overall game?
“Playing 7v7 is showing me where I stand nationally. It is helping me compete more with top guys from across the country. I am able to show how good of an athlete I am, and it is showing me where I need to get better with my coverage. All of it is pushing my game forward.”
What else are you doing and/or working on this spring?
“There are a couple of things I have been doing, but mainly I am working on my speed. You can never be too fast. I am working on my hips, opening up my hips, and getting out of my breaks faster.”
Which camps might you attend this spring or summer?
“I am going to Rivals and the Nike Opening Regional (LA).”
Are you going to any college camps this summer?
“I was thinking about going to the Washington camp, they’ve contacted me about that June 3 camp at Azusa Pacific.”
Leads into recruiting. You have an offer from Colorado, but which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Utah, Boise State, Utah State, Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, and UCLA.”
Are any schools planning on coming by this spring to see you in person?
“Yes, sir. All the same schools I just mentioned.”
Did they tell you what they were looking for from you when they see you this spring?
“They want to see me during the spring to see me run.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“I am planning on visiting UCLA and USC later this spring with ProWay.”
Are you playing any other sports this spring?
“I am running track.”
Which events?
“The 100 and 200 but I am debating on the 400.”
Some fun questions to wrap up the interview. Who is the funniest guy on the team?
“I’d say either Kaylan Wesley or Mycah Pittman.”
What is the funniest thing that has happened during a game that cracked you up?
“I ran over someone in the Thousand Oaks game, I ran into one of my teammates. All the guys on the sidelines were laughing.”
Is there a fun fact about you that people may be surprised to find out?
“Good question. I can draw.”
Keithan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps and visits.
“Thank you.”
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