Interview: Coveted 4-Star 2018 JUCO DL Emmit Gooden Talks Commitment to Arkansas Razorbacks

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The second time around was the charm for Arkansas and Emmit Gooden to find one another. On Sunday, June 18, Arkansas picked up a big-time commitment from the four-star junior college defensive lineman adding a much needed piece to their new 3-4 defense.

As part of the 2016 recruiting class, there were not too many defensive linemen racking up the love in the form of offers as Gooden. Playing then at 6-4, 285, the Haywood High School star had 30-plus offers with every other top team in the country seeking his talents on their roster. Some of the many included Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, LSU, Memphis, Ole Miss, N.C. State, Arizona State, Cincinnati, Penn State, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. Despite all the national attention, Gooden followed a family path from Brownsville, Tennessee, to Starkville as his older brother Jarvis Varnado did but on the hardwood instead of the gridiron.

As fate would have it for the Hogs, instead of enrolling at Mississippi State Gooden enrolled at Independence Community College opening his recruitment up to everyone once again. Gooden’s abilities as a defender in the trenches followed from Tennessee to Kansas coming up with 55 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery as a true freshman. That kind of play up front has once again drawn a crowd. At least 12 reported offers have gone out this time around with Alabama, Oklahoma, West Virginia, TCU, Missouri, Louisville, Texas-San Antonio, Alabama-Birmingham, Georgia, and USC trying to land him as well as Mississippi State.

Over the weekend, the Hogs hosted the now 6-4, 320 pound, difference maker securing his verbal commitment Sunday morning at breakfast with the coaching staff. In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Gooden to get his thoughts on why the Hogs are the fit for him as part of their 2018 recruiting class.

Interview

Emmit, congratulations on your commitment to Arkansas.

“Thank you.”

Before we get details on your commitment I would like to lead into it starting with your freshman season at Independence. How did your transition from high school ball at Haywood to Junior College ball with Independence go during the 2016 season?

“The transition went well. It took me around two weeks to get adapted and campus life.”

How did your game get better in the trenches during your freshman season?

“I feel like I learned a lot. I was focused on technique all season.”

Which parts of your game have you been focusing on this off-season?

“Stopping the run, trying to work on my first step, and using my hands more. I want to flow to the ball faster too this year.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this spring?

“No, sir. The last time I squatted I was at 515 and my bench was 395.”

Did any college coaches come by Independence to watch you during spring practices?

“Yes, sir. Arkansas, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Florida State, Memphis, and Mississippi State.”

You made several unofficial visits this spring going to Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Alabama. You’ve been through the recruiting process before, what were you looking for on each visit letting you know if this program was the school for you?

“Basically, I was looking at the depth chart. I feel like I can go anywhere to receive a degree. I’m looking at balling out at the next level. After I graduate JUCO, I can get a degree from anywhere. The academic part at most schools did not stand out to me. Most schools are pretty much the same on what they offer with their academic support and degrees you can earn. Once I get there I will use all the help they provide inside and outside the classroom. This time around I am more worried about football and who they have on the team.”

What separated Arkansas from the other schools that were actively recruiting you?

“The relationship I had with the coaches and with the players. The coaches want what was best for me as a player and as a student-athlete. I think they have my best interest in mind. I can become a great player on an off the field there.”

When did Arkansas become a serious contender for your verbal commitment?

“I never had them at the top of my list. Something about this weekend, before I left I was at peace.”

What all did you do on your visit to Fayetteville over the weekend?

“I got to spend a lot of time around the coaches. That helped out a lot with my decision. Getting to know Coach B (Bret Bielema – head coach) helped out a lot.”

After a long relationship with Mississippi State, how difficult was your commitment to the Razorbacks over the Bulldogs?

“It was not as hard due to the relationship with the coaches. I’m still talking to Mississippi State. I’m guessing a lot of schools like Mississippi State and Alabama may come harder after me trying to flip me away from Arkansas. That’s how it is in the SEC with recruiting.”

How and when did you notify the coaches at Arkansas you were committing?

“When I woke up Sunday morning everything felt right. I committed to Coach B and their defensive line coach, Coach (John) Scott. I am 100 percent committed to Arkansas and I’m not going to back off. I expect to do great things in Fayetteville. That played a huge part in my decision. I feel like I could be a missing piece for Arkansas along the defensive line.”

How did Coach Bielema and Coach Scott react when you committed?

“They were fired up. They couldn’t wait until I release it.”

Is there a sense of relief, that to some extent, your recruiting process is over?

“I got it off my shoulders. I can now focus on the season coming up. We are expecting great things this season. Focusing on school, football, and recruiting is too much for me. I will be in Fayetteville in January.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Yes, sir. I am on that right now.”

Which players have you talked to already?

“Some offensive linemen like Luke Jones (Pulaski Academy), Noah Gatlin (Jonesboro), and Curtis Dunlap (IMG Academy).”

Emmit, thanks for your time today and, again, congratulations on your commitment to Arkansas.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Gooden family; Emmit Gooden at Arkansas with Bret Bielema (June 2017).