Expectations growing on 2027 Tennessee ATH Tony Gooch Jr.
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Big strides were made for Tony Gooch Jr. throughout his sophomore season on the gridiron. Working hard to earn the athlete label, the Glencliff Colts (Nashville, TN) used Gooch at running back, receiver, and kick returner. Traveling the country with DGA playing in 7-on-7 tournaments, Gooch’s skills are being tested beyond the 5A competitors in the Music City.
Operating in a Wing-T attack, Gooch (5-10, 170) talked about the growth in his game in 2024, “It improved with more experience. I got more playing time, that helped me get more comfortable on the field. I saw the field better and my confidence improved. Running the ball, I am not timid. I hit the hole hard.
The Wing-T executed by the Colts had more balance to it than the traditional ground and pound.
“We did pass a lot for a Wing-T,” Gooch stated. “My hands, my route running, and my confidence, again, all improved with the experience.”
The winter days rolling into spring, Gooch is working on his talents on both sides of the ball.
“I’m working on communicating on defense, my footwork, speed training, and being an overall leader,” Gooch shared.
The early offseason tournaments with DGA are already making an impact on Gooch.
“It is helping me get in even better shape,” Gooch said. “It is helping my receiver skills and improving my agility. It has opened my eyes a lot on where I need to be at and how hard I need to work.”
Complete season statistics were not posted for the Colts, but through six games Gooch had 305 yards off 45 carries with a team-high three scores and had team-highs in receptions (5), receiving yards (63), and touchdowns (2). At the end of Gooch’s sophomore campaign, he earned All-City and All-Region honors.
Photo credit: Ryan Wright (RNG); Tony Gooch Jr. at a Pylon Tournament in Tampa.