Interview: Missouri Junior Day Impresses 4-Star 2018 ATH Mario Goodrich

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Any opportunity to get recruits on campus to sell a program and university is all-too important. Throughout the winter and spring, college football coaches across the country pass out invites to rising talent for Junior Day events getting the freedom to spend time not usually allotted during the season to inform and educate about the direction of the team with an eye towards academics. On Sunday, Missouri hosted Kansas City all-around athlete Mario Goodrich on an unofficial impressing the four-star recruit.

Goodrich shot to the top of a lot of college recruiting boards during the 2016 season proving to be a playmaker in all three phases of the game. After 12 games with Lee’s Summit West High School, their 6-2, 180 pound, standout had 181 yards rushing with two scores off 26 carries, 282 yards receiving with six touchdowns off 15 receptions, and had returned seven kickoffs for 183 yards and nine punts for 253 more yards. Another area the speedster shined was on defense at cornerback. Goodrich stuffed 46 plays coming up with 7.5 tackles for a loss, and a fumble recovery. On passing plays he was a pigskin magnet breaking up 12 hopeful passes while snaring seven.

Nine offers have been extended to Goodrich so far from Iowa State, Kansas State, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Memphis with Michigan getting into the mix on Friday (Feb. 10). In-state SEC power Missouri has also offered letting Goodrich know he is a top target for them. The Tigers hosted Goodrich for a game day visit during the season and got him in Columbia a second time leaving one of the country’s best players amazed.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Goodrich after his visit to Missouri getting the inside scoop on the experience.

Interview

Mario, I know from our previous interview you were excited about this visit. What all did you do during your trip to Mizzou?

“First, we started off with a mock interview. The coaches and Mizzou players asked us questions. We had to stand in front of them like in a press conference answering questions. After that we toured the weight room. When we came out of the weight room, they had post cards of us and a big picture of us. Then we ate and they talked about the academic requirements for school. After we ate we went to the locker room and tried on their new jerseys. They showed us the new part of the stadium they are adding onto as well.”

What time did you get there to start the visit?

“We got there at 10:30 Sunday morning.”

Who went with you?

“My mom and my little brother.”

Did they have a good time?

“Yes, they did.”

Sounds like they packed a lot into the visit, how did the visit go in your opinion?

“It was better than what I saw during football season. I did not see much then. Now I have seen everything.”

Which coaches did you meet with?

“I sat down to talk with all of them, the offensive and defensive coaches.”

What did the coaches talk about with you personally?

“They said I could be the guy that changes people minds about Mizzou. They said we could bring Missouri a national championship and a SEC title.”

No pressure, right? (laughs) Did the coaches talk about which position they would like to see you play if you were to go to Missouri?

“No. We did not have that conversation. I spoke with both the defensive backs and wide receivers coaches.”

Did you sit in on any meetings?

“Yes. I went to the defensive backs meeting. We went over some of their plays and watched them on film. We called out the plays we would run as a secondary unit.”

Do you see yourself fitting in with the team’s offense or defense after your visit?

“Yes, because the defense they run at Mizzou, I played it last year in high School. I am familiar with what they run.”

What was your overall impression of the campus and facilities?

“Amazing. It was something different. I had not seen that part of Mizzou. I don’t know how to explain it to be honest.”

Do you plan to visit Missouri again?

“I’ll probably go back during spring football.”

Do you have another visit scheduled?

“I have Iowa schedule but no others.”

Have you picked up any new interest or offers?

“I picked up an offer from Michigan on Friday.”

How did Michigan offer you?

“Since they can’t call me, I had to call their coach. We talked on the phone for a while. They said they were impressed with my film. They feel like that I can play. They like that I can get up with anyone.”

How did you feel when you got that offer?

“It changed the whole mood of my day. It was great.”

Mario, congratulations on a successful visit to Missouri and on your offer from Michigan. Thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Goodrich family; Mario Goodrich and little brother at Mizzou (Feb. 12, 2017).