Goings with Goodson

[Brad Thomas]

It all started when the Panthers released do-it-all back Nick Goings a few weeks ago.
The Panthers knew what Goings did in the past and knew that he wasn’t capable of doing it to their standards any longer. After several concussions and general wear and tear, he’d worn out his body and wasn’t the same guy any longer.

It was time to find somebody new to fill his roles.

Carolina started by selecting running back Mike Goodson in the fourth round.

“I’m just excited, man,” Goodson said. “I want to thank God first and then (running backs) Coach (Jim) Skipper for taking a chance on me. I’m just excited to be here and get a chance to play behind (Jonathan) Stewart and play for a great coaching staff in a great facility.”

Goodson decided to declare early for the draft after falling out of favor with the coaching staff at Texas A&M. He wouldn’t go into details about the situation, but it was clear that he understood that whatever happened in college was a whole other world than the NFL.

“I sat down with my family, and really it just came down to it was my time to go,” said Goodson. “My experience at Texas A&M was great and I enjoyed being there, but I just felt it was time to go to the next level.”

Goodson wasn’t happy with his role at A&M and admitted it was one of the reasons he wanted to go pro.

“Not the main reason but it played a part,” he said.

This isn’t breaking news, but Goodson shouldn’t expect a lot of carries behind DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

That’s fine with him.

“As an athlete you always want to compete and get more than what you got. But I’m here now and I can just go on and try to make this part better.”

The Panthers think Goodson can be a sort of jack-of-all-trades player like Goings was; catching passes in the slot, running the ball when need be and contributing in the return game.

” Mike Goodson is an explosive player — makes big plays, has good hands, can be a receiver out of the backfield,” said Panthers general manager Marty Hurney. “He can move around in spots.”

“Anywhere they put me I’m just ready to play,” said Goodson. “I bring a pretty good slot receiver, also, so wherever they throw me I’m ready to play.”

Sounds a lot like Nick Goings. Let’s just hope he’s as much of a stand-up guy as Nick was, too.

[Brad Thomas]

I agree, KPickle -- I think they'll find a way to get him on the field. He may end up as the next gen Steve Smith.

[kenneth picklesimer]

i think He'll see alot of work on ST & as aa WR in fact i think he'll line up more at WR than RB the 1st few yrs