Topic: H-D story on JG

[yogiherd]

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/2005/April/25/MUspot.htm

Goddard goes to Detroit


All-American defensive end lone Marshall player drafted

By ANTHONY HANSHEW - The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON -- One of college football’s top motors is headed for the Motor City.

Former Marshall defensive end Johnathan Goddard, the nation’s leader in several defensive categories last season, was selected in the sixth round of Sunday’s NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. The All-American was projected as a mid-round selection, but had to wait until the 206th pick of the two-day draft to learn his new football home.
 


Randy Snyder/The Herald-Dispatch


Former Marshall defensive end Johnathan Goddard was drafted by Detroit in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.

"I was getting frustrated," Goddard said. "Everything that I heard before the draft was much better. I was really frustrated. I thought I should have been picked way higher, and now I’ll have to show them that I should have been."

Goddard had good reason for high expectations. His 16 sacks and 28.5 tackles for loss led the country last season and he was a consistent playmaker, scoring four touchdowns during the past two years.

NFL teams perhaps were concerned, however, with Goddard’s size. The 6-foot, 240-pound pass rusher was considered a "tweener" -- slang meaning he was undersized for defensive end and untested at linebacker. Goddard was a three-year starter at defensive end for the Thundering Herd but will play outside linebacker in Detroit.

"It’s a big relief to finally know where I’m going and what I’ll be doing," Goddard said.

Goddard’s agent, Adam Heller, said draft weekend was eventful. Several teams contacted him throughout the process, expressing interest, but Detroit finally ended a long day in front of the television for the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

"The teams that I talked to liked his motor, his attitude and what the game meant to him," Heller said. "(Detroit) is very excited about the player they have."

Goddard was the lone linebacker drafted by Detroit. After watching the draft from his Jacksonville, Fla., home, Goddard plans to spend a few days in Huntington before traveling to Detroit on Thursday.

NFL hopes help spur Goddard’s breakout senior season. He also forced five fumbles (tops in the nation), recovered three and broke up five passes.

Goddard is Marshall’s 13th player selected in the NFL Draft since 1998 and the 34th overall. He was the only Thundering Herd player selected.


"I think it’s a good opportunity to come out and show that I can play with the best of them," Goddard said. "I’m going to work hard, study everything, work in the weight room and continue to mature."

Goddard’s Sunday surprise was two-fold. He expected to be selected prior to the sixth round and never doubted that a few former Marshall teammates also would be drafted.

"I’m real surprised," Goddard said. "I was sure other guys were going to go, but this draft has been crazy."

[carolinaherdfan]

I, thought this was a good write-up by the paper.

GO THUNDERINGHERD!

 :smile:

[coryherdman69]

ill be a detroit fan if he starts