Interview: Breakout Season Coming for 2019 Calabasas CB/RB Keithan Gooden

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Photo credits: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

If Calabasas High School did not already have enough skillset weapons at their disposal, opposing California defenses have yet another to scheme for throughout the 2017 season in Keithan Gooden. Gooden is part of a two-headed monster the Coyotes have coming out of the backfield paired with fellow junior tailback Johnny Williams ready to run rough over the competition this year.

During the 2016 season, Calabasas was one of the top teams in the Golden State sporting a record of 14-1 running off 13 consecutive games until a 60-53 overtime clash in the semifinal round of the playoffs with eventual 5A state champion Madison. The Coyotes were a pass-first team last season with Tristan Gebbia hitting 341-of-485 attempts for 5,338 yards with 61 touchdowns against just 11 picks. Gebbia’s passing yards dwarfed the run game total of 1,124 yards accumulated along with 23 touchdowns. The Coyotes are once again loaded at the wide receiver position with Nikko Hall, Hunter Nichols, Mycah Pittman, and Johnny Wilson ready to impose their will on each play, but may have a run game that can balance out the air attack in Gooden and Williams.

In Calabasas’ first game of the season against Dorsey, a 35-12 win, Class of 2019 quarterback Jaden Casey threw for 361 yards with three scores while Gooden and Williams combined for 169 yards on the ground with Gooden making two trips to the end zone. College scouts may be interested in Gooden as a running back but will be able to see his overall athleticism on defense playing corner for the Coyotes as well in 2017.

The Coyotes will once again be one of the top teams in the state, even with a move up in competition to the Division 2A level. Tough games coming up against Valencia, Westlake, Sierra Canyon, and Newbury Park will help shape Calabasas’ season and the seeding for the 2017 playoffs. The challenging schedule against great teams will help bring college coaches to the yard giving ample opportunities for the 5-11, 170 pound, Gooden to showcase his talents rolling his growing list of interest into more offers.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Gooden covering his preseason preparation for his junior campaign while getting an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Keithan, how did you prepare for your junior season on the field?

“I worked out with ProWay this offseason. I worked on getting faster and I worked a lot on my technique, especially getting out of my breaks quicker.”

Where all on the field will we see you this year?

“Everywhere. I’m on punt return, kick return, at running back, some at slot, and at corner.”

Of all the positions, which do you like best?

“I like both sides of the ball, but I favor corner more than any other position. That is the most challenging position in my opinion.”

What are the strengths of your game at this point in your high school career?

“On offense, I feel that I have good vision to make plays. On defense, I can run with any receiver out there. I play good zone coverage defense too.”

You scored two touchdowns out of the backfield for the Coyotes against the Dons in Week 1, did you know going into the game that you would be that big of contributor to the offense?

“I knew I had a role to play. I had to step up and be a leader on the team. That was just the beginning of what is to come for me.”

How did you feel about your performance against Dorsey?

“I think I played alright. I did not play to the best of my abilities. I did not play the whole game because of cramps – I feel like I could have played better.”

What about your play at corner verses Dorsey? How did that go for you?

“I played a lot at corner against Dorsey. I think I did alright at corner. I only allowed one pass to be caught against me.”

Within the offense, how will head coach Casey Clausen use you to maximize the most out of your abilities this season?

“I feel like the run game will open up the passing game for our receivers. We have great receivers. Running the ball with our O-line will open our offense this year. I think Coach Clausen will use me up the middle, to the outside, and throw it to me out of the backfield this season.”

You have an offer from Colorado, how did the offer you?

“They came to school, loved what they saw, and offered me.”

When did they offer?

“This spring.”

Which schools are showing interest?

“UCLA, USC, Oregon State, Washington, and Boise State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I visited Arizona and Arizona State.”

How did the two visits go for you?

“They went well. Both schools showed a lot of love. They showed us around the campus and showed us the facilities. The coaches at both schools gave me their contact information to keep in touch.”

Do you have any visits planned for this fall?

“As of now, no.”

What goals have you set for your junior season?

“I have no limits. I don’t have personal goals. With team goals, my only goal is to win state. We want league first and then state.”

The Coyotes have some great games coming up, of all the games are there any you are a little more excited about than the others?

“I think all the games coming up are interesting. One school that is big is Valencia and Dorsey, but we already played that game. Sierra Canyon and Newbury Park are exciting games too.”

Keithan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

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Photos: No. 17 Keithan Gooden